The Retired Firefighter David G Perez, who serves as the SAFPPA Fire Recording Secretary, announced the following at the January 9 meeting.
Sympathy Cards sent to the family of:
- Daniel Montalvo Father to Retired Fire Lt. David Montalvo, passed Dec. 24
Melvin Wedige SAFD retired and the father of Retired Chief Carl Wedige has passed away. He joined SAFD, retiring after 28 years of service. An avid sportsman, a man of solid convictions, a role model, and a man with an unwavering faith.
Yvonne Camille Trevino O’Brien. Daughter of retired Firefighter Roland Trevino, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023. Yvonne left this world too soon.
Gilbert Trevino went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, Dec 19 at 9:00am. Brother to Henry Trevino and many nephews that served in the San Antonio Fire Department. He attended Oscar Breakfast for many years. San Antonio Fire Museum and Honor Guard had the honor of escorting Gilbert to his final resting place.
Ernest N Lavin (Prophet) passed on 1-1-2024 at the age of 81. Ernest, known as Prophet, was in the SAFD’s first EMS class. He was very well known and liked by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Gloria.
Rachel Chapa SAFD Retired Di Chapa’s mother passed. May she rest in peace.
Get Well Cards Sent to:
- Rudy Sosa, Jeryl B. Foster, Sylvia Esparza, Ernest Lavin Jr.,Jenny Quintanilla
The Retired Police Officer Armando Ynostrosa, who serves as the SAFPPA Police Recording Secretary, announced the following at the January 9 meeting.
Frank Hoyack – Retired January 1994 – Chief of Police
Chief Hoyack passed away on January 03, 2024. He was 85 years old. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Northside Church of Christ, 19818 US 281 North. The date will be January 27, 2024 at 1100am. Condolences to the Family and Friends.
Arthur Bernstein – SAPD Retired – 1983
Arthur Bernstein retired from the Police Department in April 1983 and was appointed Chief for University of Texas in San Antonio. Arthur was skilled at personal communication. Part of his duties for SAPD were to chaperone dignitaries and keep an eye on the City Council. Arthur’s amazing memory never failed him for 94 years. He could share detailed stories about families, people, politicians, schools, streets, and businesses in San Antonio. Art and Bertha were together for 68 years. They are united again. FUNERAL SERVICE : NOVEMBER 30, 2023, 1:00 PM CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH, Final Resting Place: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX 78209
Sonny Minnick – Retired 2003
Landon “Sonny” Minnick, Jr (aka “Spider”) was born in Abingdon, VA in 1952 and passed away peacefully on November 20, 2023. Sonny is survived by his loving wife, Deborah and three daughters and five grandchildren. He had recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. Sonny joined the San Antonio Police Department in 1972. Sonny spent the majority of his career as a motorcycle policeman for over 20 years. He spent over 20 years escorting King Antonio every Fiesta for the Texas Cavaliers. He retired after serving over 30 years. After retirement, he traveled the world with his family and enjoyed lunches with the other “retirees”. He liked driving his Corvette and golfing every chance he got. A Celebration of Life is to be planned at a later date.
John A. Ornelaz – Retired 2003
John Anthony was born in San Antonio, TX on March 23,1949 and passed away peacefully on November 1, 2023. Johnny is survived by two sons, daughter and a spouse, Rachel. Johnny was raised on the west side of San Antonio and graduated from Fox Tech High School. Johnny joined the San Antonio Police Department in 1972. One of his early assignments as a Police Officer was being on Task Force. He retired in 2003 after serving over 31 years. A visitation was on November 19, 2023 at Sunset North Funeral Home. Military Honors will be presented at 3:00pm at the Funeral Home.
Sterling Quinn Gotthardt – Retired March 2002
Sterling Gotthart age 71 of Bandera, Texas passed away peacefully and went to be with our Lord on January 2, 2024. After serving in the U.S Army, went to the police academy and served SAPD from 1972-2002. Sterling is survived by his wife of 37 years Kimberly Gotthardt, his daughters Katie Ballard, Mindy Jackson, Melanie Rodriguez, Annette Brown, Vanessa McQuade, his sisters, cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren and loving friends.In his retirement he spent much of his time turning wrenches on his various boats over the years and loved being out on the water. He shared this passion with his favorite first mate, buddy, and grandson William Sterling Ballard. A celebration of life will be held on January 12, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Grimes Bandera funeral Chapel in Bandera, Texas.
Frank Hoyack – Retired January 1994 – Asst. Chief of Police
Chief Hoyack passed away on January 03, 2024. He was 85 years old. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Northside Church of Christ, 19818 US 281 North. The date will be January 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences to the Family and Friends.
SICK CALL
Pete Wellman is at ICU at Methodist Stone Oak. His ammonia level in his body was super high and he has acute encephalopathy. He is being treated at the hospital.
Isaac Rodriguez, In Decemberhad emergency By Pass Surgery before Christmas and is in the hospital. It is reported that he had another medical heart problem while in the hospital and emergency operation was performed.
Gary Marlow underwent Bladder surgery. He is in recovery at home.
George Pruitt Hugg Had a double bypass before Christmas and is at home.
Pete Elizalde, Retired 2015, was involved in a major accident this before New Years . He is recovering at home. He has had two ankle surgeries and other injuries.
Remember all our family members who are dealing with health issues and those who have lost loved ones.