Homestead community says goodbye to former fire chief

HOMESTEAD, Pa. — A pillar in the Homestead community was lay to rest Saturday.

Former Homestead Fire Chief Bill Purifoy died of natural causes Monday at the age of 53. He served as chief for more than 20 years.

At 6’ 8” tall, Purifoy was a larger-than-life leader in the community.

“When I became 16, going on 17, I joined the fire department. He took me in like a son,” said Rondel Thomas, Homestead Volunteer Fire Department vice president. “He taught me how to fight fires. He taught me how to be a gentleman. He taught me how to be a leader in the community.”

Purifoy was escorted through Homestead by a procession of fire engines, one of which carried his casket.

“I'm at a loss. Everyone is at a loss,” said Timothy Eads, Homestead Volunteer Fire Department president. “He was Homestead. There's nothing else you can say.”

WPXI