Multiple UP fire departments hold procession for Toivola wildland firefighter
The procession for Collin Hagan traveled from the Houghton County Memorial Airport and along US-41 into Hancock.
HANCOCK, Mich. (WLUC) - A procession was held Saturday evening for Collin Hagan, the 27-year-old wildland firefighter from Toivola who died Wednesday while battling a fire in Oregon.
It began at the Houghton County Memorial Airport around 8:45 p.m. with several local fire departments participating, including those from Baraga, Houghton and Ontonagon counties. They traveled from the airport along US-41 into Hancock, where it ended at Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation.
The event was organized by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources State Wildland Fire Supervisor Dan Laux, who contacted the departments and asked them to join in the procession.
“He helped us out with contacting the chiefs with a county-wide page to get all the fire departments here to support Collin and his family,” said Bureau of Land Management Fire Operations Supervisor Richard Hayner.
Family and friends also gathered at the airport to wait for Hagan’s body to arrive and to join in the procession. They remember him as a good and fun person.
“Collin liked going to concerts, and you know just having a good time. I don’t think there was a bad bone in that kid’s body,” said Matthew Manta.
He was someone who was always involved.
“He was our best friend, you know, everything we did, we involved him,” said Tyler Bailey.
Hagan was respected by his classmates.
“Collin went to a school with around six to 12 people, and everyone in that class is here today,” said Stephen Butina.
A funeral service for Hagan is planned for this Friday.
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