Update: NewsChannel 3 has confirmed that Fred Broyles passed away Monday afternoon according to Chief Stephen Pincus.
Visitation for Broyles will be held at Weymouth Funeral Home at 12746 Nettles Drive in Newport News on Sunday 2-4 pm Funeral services will be held at Grace United Methodist Church at 1209 Country Club Rd, 10 am on Monday Private burial will be held later.
Newport News, Va. – A former state trooper and Newport News firefighter who has been battling cancer for the last 8 years got his dying wish on Thursday.
He wanted to get one last ride in a fire truck and his second family of firefighters took action to make Fred Broyles' wish a reality.
Dozens of firefighters across Hampton Roads worked together on this extra special request.
“When Fred found out he had cancer, he went to the doctor and never come back to work,” says his wife. “He said for so many years, ‘I never took my last ride. If I had known the last time I was in the engine it was my last ride, I would have been happy."
He was given only weeks to live, and Boyle's wife called his other family, his fellow firefighters, for one last ride.
“When someone retires, they get the opportunity to ride around and visit the stations for one last visit. Fred really never got that opportunity,” says a fellow firefighter.
“I think of the two things in his life that he has told me he wanted to have this is one of them," says his wife.
Too weak to speak, the 57-year-old’s eyes would just light up when he recognized someone, and if he didn't then there was still a firm handshake or a hug.
“I think Fred helped a lot of people. That's why we got a lot of people here,” his wife said.
Known as a hero to many, Broyles said goodbye to hundreds in the community who came out to share the special moment with him.
Thanks to all of the crews from across our area, Fred Broyles got to take his last ride.
“I'm always proud of him, but I’m more proud of him today. It’s a brotherhood, it’s what it is,” says his wife.
