Life Member of 60 Years Passes Away

The Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department regretfully announce the passing of Life Member, Emil Selby Ruch. Emil was a 60 year member and past officer of the department.

Not only did Emil provide active services to the Sykesville Community for many years, he ensured his family would pick up where he left off. Emil passed his life long love and desire for helping others onto his children and grandchildren.

The Ruch family is still very active in the Carroll County Fire/Rescue Service today. The Ruch name is still common place around The Sykesville Fire Department with Emil's son-Ed Ruch Sr. (Chief), Grandchildren-Ed Ruch Jr. (Deputy Chief), Robert Ruch (Captain) and Brian Ruch (Lieutenant). If that is not enough, drive a couple of miles up the road to Gamber and you will find more of Emil's family actively serving The Gamber and Community Fire Department; Daughter-Jeannie Green (Secretary), Son-In-Law-Danny Green (EMS Captain), Grandchildren- Charlie Green (Lieutenant) and Michael Green (Firefighter). As you can see Emil's dedication lives on and we as a community are grateful. The Officers, Members and Paid Personnel of The Sykesville Fire Department send our deepest sympathy to the Ruch Family.

Friends and Family may pay their respects as follows:

Haight Funeral Home, Route 32 in Sykesville, MD

- Viewing: Friday August 25, 2006 from 3pm-5pm and 7pm-9pm with a Fire Department Memorial Service at 8pm.

- Funeral: Saturday August 26, 2006 at 11:00: The funeral will be at the Haight Funeral Home with a graveside service at The Lakeview Cemetary, Route 26 in Sykesville, MD

* There will be a gathering of friends and family following the funeral at The Gamber Fire Department, 3838 Niner Road.

** Questions regarding fire department participation with the Memorial Service should be directed to Assistant Chief David Barnes @ 410-795-8021.