Reading firefighters traveled to Altoona early monday morning the 31st of October to pay respects to Captain Robert Gallardy of the Altoona Fire Department. Captain Gallardy was a 9 year veteran of the department with 30 years experience in the fire service. Tragically, Capt. Gallardy suffered critical burns on Sunday October 23th at the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy while assisting with an instructor development class. Gallardy was airlifted to Lehigh Valley Medical Center and was pronounced dead the following Tuesday.
Firefighters from all over the commonwealth, as well as other states attended the funeral which began with a march from the viewing area through the streets of downtown Altoona to the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrement. The procession was led by members of the Pittsburgh Fire Department Pipe and Drum Corp. Captain Gallardy and Members of the Altoon Fire Department followed the procession. A mass was held, with remarks from Fire Chief Renny Santon, State Fire Commisioner Ed Mann, and Pennsylvania Proffesional Firefighters President Dave Eckman, as well as other Altoona Fire Department Members.
Following the Mass, city busses were used to transport firefighters to Capt. Gallardy's final resting place in New Germany about an hour from Altoona. Capt. Gallardy is survived by A Wife and Three Sons.
