Pictured is the John Deer tractor Chris used in his work at St. Patrick’s School and Church. Photo courtesy of John Loftus.
Four Owego volunteer firemen – Thomas Donovan III, Patrick Gavin, Brandon Sanders and Joe Ward – rode bikes past Lt. Chris Franz’s home on George Street, No. 3’s on Talcott Street and Central Fire Station on North Avenue to Saint Patrick’s Church as a memorial tribute ride to attend his Liturgy of Resurrection on Monday, celebrated by Father Peter Van Lieshout. Chris rode his bike for 17 years to St. Patrick’s School where he was employed.
Patrick Gavin says he rode Dick Franz’s bike, carrying the Croton Hose Co. No. 3 flag made by Chris’s grandmother, Sara Franz, and given to the Owego Hose Teams in the 1960s.
Pictured is the flag draped coffin of Owego Fire Department Croton Hose Company No. 3 Lieutenant Christopher M. Franz atop Tanker 803 for the honored trip to his place of eternal rest at St. Patrick’s Cemetery off Rt. 17C in the Town of Tioga. In this photo, Tanker 803 passes under two aerial trucks hanging the American flag in tribute. Photo courtesy of John Loftus.
Gavin stated that the memorial ride originated on the Flats on Spruce Street. The four bikes passed Chris’s home on George Street, Station 3, and then took the same route Chris rode to work everyday for 17 years to St. Patrick’s. Gavin was not surprised to learn that Chris never missed a day of work in 17 years. He stated that their ride stopped at Central Fire Station where they were followed by Owego fire apparatus to the church.
Whenever the tone sounded for a fire call, 22-year volunteer fireman Chris Franz – on his bike – was the first to arrive at No. 3’s Talcott Street Fire Station to get “The Queen” ready to roll. He was co pilot of Tanker 803.
Firemen say, “Rest in Peace, Chris, We’ll Take It From Here.”
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