Services set for 2 Oregonians killed in wildfires

A memorial service will be held Saturday in Albany for Jesse Trader, the firefighter who died at a southern Oregon wildfire. Meanwhile, a service open to the public is planned next Tuesday in Redmond for tree-faller John Hammack, killed on a fire west of Sisters last week.

Trader’s public service will be held at the West Albany High School football stadium. The family will later hold a private graveside service.

The 19-year-old from Albany was killed Tuesday when the water truck he was driving overturned at the Big Windy fire complex.

The Oregonian reports (http://bit.ly/14C5A1p ) the state Public Safety Memorial Fund Board is deciding whether to give a $25,000 benefit to his family. The fund provides immediate financial help to the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Hammack’s memorial is planned for next Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the South Sister Room of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, along with a potluck dinner. The family says the event is open to the public who wishes to honor Hammack, 58, of Madras, killed by a falling treetop on Aug. 1.

On Friday, Oregon Gov. Kitzhaber ordered all flags at public institutions to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset next Tuesday, in honor of Hammack.

“John Hammack was an experienced logger performing critical work on a fire in Central Oregon,” Kitzhaber said. “He was also a talented rodeo competitor and beloved father, grandfather, husband, and friend. His loss is felt by everyone who knew him and by those of us learning about his sacrifice on the front lines of fighting Oregon wildfires. I send my deep condolences to his family and friends, and I urge all Oregonians to join me in honoring John and his service to Oregon.”

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the John Hammack Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank. An online guestbook is available at http://obits.redmondmemorial.com/john-earl-hammack/