Message from Northern Territories, Canada

I was saddened to hear today of the loss of Fire Lieut. Wendell Jeffrey.I am writing on behalf of the Fire Fighters of the Northwest Territories, Canada to express our sadness and to let you know that we stand by you in this time of pain. Having just lost two Fire Fighters in our capital, Yellowknife, we are keenly aware of the loss you have suffered.

I know that the support of Fire Fighters the world over was gratefully received by the Yellowknife Department in their time of loss, and having attended four funerals of close friends lost in the line of duty myself in my career I know that this support lends some slight relief to the pain.

It is my hope that you pass these condolences on to your Department and the family of Lieut. Jeffrey so that they may know that their larger family is behind them at this sad time.

Stay strong, move forward and never forget!
Take care
Bernie Van Tighem, Fire Marshal
Municipal & Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
500, 5201-50th. Avenue
Yellowknife, NT X1A 3S9

LT. WENDELL ANTHONY JEFFERY, 47, of Memphis, died Monday, October 24, 2005, in the federal line of duty, at Methodist University Hospital. Lt. Jeffery of Firehouse 19, had been with the Memphis City Fire Department since 1986.

He was a 1976 graduate of Oakhaven High School, a graduate of Shelby State Community College, a student at Southwest Community College, and a member of Black Pioneers, Teamster Union, Progressive Firefighters and David Street Block Club. He was also a member of Harris Memorial CME Church.

Visitation, 4-6 p.m. Sunday, October 30 at Harrison's Funeral Home Chapel, 2647 Carnes Ave. In state, 10-10:55 a.m. Monday, October 31 at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 2231 S. Parkway E. Funeral ceremony, 11 a.m., with Rev. Alvin Campbell, officiating. Interment with honors at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill-Irene Road.

Harrison's Funeral Home Orange Mound Chapel 901-452-7331