Greg Pickard, a fallen firefighter, is remembered during hometown visitation
A family photo, a register book and a picture of Lieutenant Greg Pickard, 54, a fallen Bryan, Texas firefighter and a former Gladiator graduate of Italy High School, impacts guests as they enter a hometown visitation held on Saturday, March 2 inside the Italy Boze Community Center to honor a hero. (Barry Byers)
Lieutenant Greg Pickard, 54, a fallen Bryan, Texas firefighter and a Gladiator graduate from Italy High School, is remembered during a hometown visitation on Saturday, March 2 inside the Italy Boze Community Center. Greg, and fellow firefighter Eric Wallace, 36, lost their lives in the line-of-duty while fighting a fire inside the Knights of Columbus Hall on Groesbeck Street in Bryan. Firefighters Ricky Mantey Jr., 30, and Mitch Moran, 21, were seriously injured during the February 15 blaze.
Wallace was one of the first to rush into the fire to search for occupants but later announced over his radio he was trapped. Greg, along with Mantey and Moran, tried to reach Wallace but were seriously injured when the roof collapsed. Greg later was flown to a burn unit in Galveston before succumbing to his injuries. Wallace was pronounced dead while the blaze was still being contained.
Entering the visitation in Italy, guests were greeted by a family photo and a picture of Greg wearing his tie and badge as everyone signed a register book. Also resting on the front table was Greg’s bright red fire helmet complete with ornamental decorations around the brim and his last name, “Pickard,” painted with care around the back of the helmet. To see the helmet stirred emotions in everyone as the crowd continue to mingle.
Members of the Pickard family and extended family present, including Greg’s wife Susie, his former classmates and teammates, fellow firefighters, and numerous proud citizens of Italy, everyone kept Greg in their thoughts as those in attendance shared hugs and chatted. Sandwiches and desserts were made available.
Greg and older brother Barry Pickard’s former coach at Italy High School, Larry Turner, made the visitation and presented a 1975 highlight video disc to Barry which showed the brothers when they were both teammates for the Gladiator football team. Greg #55 played center with Barry #33 following behind him at fullback.
Greg’s parents, Carla and Bob Pickard, where on hand to greet and visit but one could sense their hearts were heavy. Sad and proud all at the same time, the Pickard’s later released the following, “Thank you,” regarding the visitation held in honor of Greg:
Bob and I have never been more proud…We feel so blessed to call Italy our home. When sorrow came, you were there, surrounding us with the love and support we so badly needed…It was a good day today and we thank you for that…God Bless All of You. — The Pickard family
Greg was laid to rest at the Aggie Field of Honor at College Station’s Memorial Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Susie, his parents Robert and Carla, son Jake, daughter Robin and three grandchildren.
Related article:
Community remembers Lt. Greg Pickard
Obituary: Gregory Wade Pickard, 1959 – 2013
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