Funeral services announced for Dalhart firefighter, fire chief killed in crash
The funeral service and viewing details have been announced for the two Dalhart firefighters killed in a crash earlier this week.
Local area fire departments came together to escort the fallen first responders to their hometown on Wednesday. Dalhart Fire Chief Curtis Brown and firefighter Brendan Torres were killed when a semi-truck hit them head-on Tuesday.
More:DPS: 2 Dalhart VFD firefighters killed in head-on crash on US 54 on Tuesday
Many fire departments have been sending their condolences on Facebook. The 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle posted to their Facebook page saying, “Today was a heartbreaking day as two local heroes were taken to their hometown. We were proud to be a part of the procession and honored to be with the families during this difficult time. A wife lost her husband and parents lost their son … both firefighters. A community, already struggling, lost two heroes. The days ahead will be difficult. Please keep these families, the first responder family, and the Dalhart community in your thoughts and prayers. Every day is a gift … make it count!”
From the offices of Hartley County Judge Gordon and Dallam County Judge Ritchey came this proclamation: "As a mark of respect for the tireless service and commitment of these brave and selfless men, the County Judges of Dallam and Hartley Counties do proclaim Thursday, October 6, 2022 as: Curtis Brown and Brendan Torres Celebration of Life Day in Dallam and Hartley County, Texas."
According to the official report from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Brown, 19, and Torres, 51, were traveling southwest in a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe on US 54, approximately 10 miles northeast of Dalhart at about 8:40 p.m. Tuesday, when a 2020 Volvo truck tractor towing a semi-trailer attempted to pass a vehicle while heading northeast, hitting the Tahoe head-on. Both first responders were pronounced dead at the scene by Dallam County Justice of the Peace Carol Smith.
The driver of the semi, Anthony Minnaar, 28, of McKinney, was taken to Coon Memorial Hospital in Dalhart with non-life-threatening injuries.
The posted speed limit was 75 mph, and road / weather conditions were raining with wet pavement. The crash remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol Troopers.
According to the Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page, funeral services for Brown and Torres will be held at Rita Blanca Coliseum on Monday, Oct. 10at 2 p.m. The viewing will be held on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 2-4 p.m. at the Horizon Funeral Home in Dalhart.
The Dalhart Fire Department made a statement saying, “Thank you to everyone and all of the fire departments from across the state and country for offering their condolences and prayers to our fire family.”
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Memorial services announced for firefighter killed in crash
