A very emotional farewell
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JERSEY SHORE -- As a sign of mourning, black bunting adorns the front of two Independent Hose Co. No. 1 fire trucks outside their firehouse on Pennsylvania Avenue in Jersey Shore, where funeral services were held Thursday for slain fire Lt. Ronald Dailey, Jr.
He and co-worker Alisha Seese were found shot to death last week in a car around the corner from Lycoming Engines in Williamsport, where the two were contracted security officers.
No arrest has been made, but authorities said they have a "person of interest" in custody.
Both victims left behind young children.
At a viewing and the following funeral service, scores of family and friends packed the firehouse and shared tears, hugs and stories about the 37-year-old firefighter, described by one person as "a man among men" and "a gift from God" by another.
Fire company members proceeded in single file to the front of the gathering where fire Chaplain Ronnie Markle and firefighter Shawn Hummer said several prayers for Dailey.
Two scripture readings also were read.
Following tradition, Dailey's "last alarm" was announced over the 911 airways by a dispatcher. "Ronald Dailey answered his last call on Jan. 12, 2024.
The members of Independent Hose Co. and the community thank you for your service. Rest in peace, brother."
The fire station's air siren outside the firehouse then blew three times.
At the end of the service, Markle said of Dailey "Well done good and faithful servant."
Before the service, Dailey's sister, Nichol Sites, said the outpouring of support "shows how much my brother was loved and how the community can come together for a grieving family in need."
Sites also said what her family and Seese's family want more than anything "is to see justice done."
They want someone arrested and convicted for the two murders, she said.
As people filed out of the firehouse at the end of the service, former Independent Fire Chief Dave Ulmer, a 60-plus year member of Independent Hose, said it was wonderful to see all the people coming to support the Dailey family and the fire company.
Reflecting on Dailey's death, Ulmer's voice cracked with emotion when he said "It hurts."
Another firefighter, Mark Lomison, said at the conclusion of the service "That was rough. Ron was a mentor to me, a good friend."
Meanwhile, according to Seese's obituary, services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.