In remembrance of OFD member Chris Franz

An active and proud member of Croton Hose Company 3 of the Owego Volunteer Fire Department, Chris Franz died Tuesday, Jan. 3 at home. He was 37, a graduate of the OFA Class of 1997, and the son of Rose Franz and the late Owego Fire Chief Edward Franz.

Chris Franz was employed by St. Patrick’s Church and was a leader of Boy Scout Troop 37.

Department members and fellow Flat Rats are saddened by the loss of an individual who they describe as the glue that held the Number 3 station together. Franz was admired for his commitment and dedication to the fire department, having served the community for 22 years. He joined the fire department in 1995 at age 16 as an apprentice firefighter.

As fellow members cited, Chris Franz’s commitment and dedication included his consistent presence at weekly fire training sessions and monthly fire company meetings, and when there was a fire call, word is that Franz was the first firefighter at the station, on his bike.

“Chris lived and breathed ‘The Flats,’ the Croton Hose Company 3 and the Owego Fire Department. The void Chris leaves behind is enormous,” shared fellow member, Patrick Gavin.

Gavin explained that Franz was a faithful copilot in the Mack, Engine 801 and Tanker 803, otherwise known as “The Queen,” a nickname given due to its unique size and cab, and also as a nod to the company’s first truck by the same name, a 1953 Ward LaFrance pumper.

Gavin shared that as The Queen’s “foreman,” Franz was in charge of its upkeep, made sure it was clean, returned to the right place and always maintained and ready to roll.

Gavin commented, “When going to a fire scene, time is of the essence.  You don’t have time to be rummaging for misplaced equipment. With Chris in charge of the truck, that was never a problem.”  

“Chris was one of the hardest working people you could ever meet,” shared fellow department member, John Loftus.

Regarding care of The Queen, Loftus added, “You could find Chris on many days or nights shining and polishing the truck, it was his pride and joy.”

Loftus also shared that Franz had no problem holding the rest of the Flat Rats accountable if the station was not spotless, and that his attention to detail, regardless of the task, was a rare quality. Franz’s persistent to ensure that every task was complete, which included a recent light on the front of the station that needed to be fixed, was another quality that the department members admired about him.

Loftus added that serving the community was an integral part of the entire Franz family, and Chris’ involvement in the department set a great example to all.

“Chris had a positive attitude and a generous spirit,” Gavin shared, and added, “Words cannot express how heartbroken we are.”

“The Flats’ has lost another good soul,” Loftus said.

Calling hours will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8 at Estey Munroe and Fahey Funeral Home in Owego.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 9 at St. Patrick’s Church.