TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– The Terre Haute Fire Department and the family of John Schoffstall will celebrate the life of the former firefighter on Saturday at West Vigo High School.
Terre Haute Fire Chief, Jeff Fisher, said they wanted everyone including the Terre Haute community and surrounding areas to have the chance to pay their respects.
“This department needs closure. This family needs closure. This is the best way we can do this under these circumstances,” he said.
The funeral will be live streamed on WTWO’s website on Saturday morning.
Chief Fisher said the community should continue to follow the social distancing guidelines and restrictions.
“We’re asking people to stay in their cars and watch the service on their phones and on their iPads or listen to it on the radio. We’re asking that just to be safe,” Fisher noted.
He said although this is not the way they typically say farewell to those that have died in a line of duty, this is the best they can do with the given circumstances.
“John served this community and he served it well. So we know that the community wanted to do their part as far as paying their respects,” he said.
Fisher said it’s important for the community to come together during tough times.
“I hope the support from this community is overwhelming and we’ll just see on Saturday. This community comes together when we need them and i’m sure that’s going to happen tomorrow,” he said.
The service will starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday and guests can start arriving at 9 a.m.
The public is allowed to take part in the procession that follows. However, the burial ceremony is private for family and Terre Haute Fire Department members.
