Livermore Firefighter Succumbs to Lung Cancer

Here's an announcement provided by the Alameda County Fire Department:

Livermore — It is with great sadness that we announce the death of a beloved member of the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) family.

On June 23, 2012 the ACFD suffered a Line of Duty Death (LODD) — due to illness. Following a brief but valiant battle with lung cancer, Firefighter Hollis Franks passed away at his home in Livermore with family and members of ACFD/International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 55 at his side.

Firefighter Franks was born on October 24, 1946. He was hired into the Alameda County Fire Patrol in Livermore on May 3, 1973. The County Fire Patrol was a Division of the Alameda County Sherriff’s Office until 1993. In 1993, the firefighters with County Fire Patrol were consolidated into the ACFD. Firefighter Franks was a valued member of the ACFD and vital member of ACFD Fire Station 8 (College Avenue, Livermore) his entire career. During his 40- year fire service career, Firefighter Franks received numerous unit citations including the California State Firefighter Medal of Valor.

Firefighter Franks’ commitment was not limited to his community, but also his country.

In 2012, he retired from the military with 33 years of service. During his years in the Army, Firefighter Franks earned numerous commendations including the Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device for his actions on April 5, 1968, the Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) for his actions on September 18, 1968, and the Purple Heart for his wounds received during battle on Aug. 13,1968. These three awards were for acts of heroism in Vietnam.

Firefighter Franks will be missed by his family, church, community, and country. Services will be held on Saturday, June 30th at the at 1501 Hillcrest Avenue in Livermore. A family greeting will begin at 9 a.m. and the memorial service will start at 10 a.m. Active fire department and military personnel attending are encouraged to wear dress (Class A) attire.

Following the memorial service a procession of fire apparatus, military vehicles and classic automobiles will follow the hearse fire engine and family to on East Avenue in Livermore for a military burial.

Parking Instructions   

• Fire Apparatus attending should park along the north side of Finlay Way entering from Madison Avenue.
• Military vehicles should be parked on the east side of Hillcrest Avenue between Finlay and Guilford Avenue.
• Classic automobile should be parked along the south side of Devon Place beginning at Hillcrest Avenue.
• Church parking is for private vehicles of family and friends.

Flags at all ACFD stations will fly at half-staff until dusk of the burial of Firefighter Franks. Badge shrouds by all ACFD personnel will also be worn during the same period of time.