Local firefighters, Tyrone Borough officials, and basically the entire Tyrone community lost a good friend Wednesday.
Jim Beckwith, the long time Tyrone Fire Chief and Borough Council Member died suddenly at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He was 63.
Beckwith started his service to the community in 1961 when he joined the former Citizens Fire Company. He was elected Chief of the Citizens Fire Company in 1969 and held that position. He held this position until 1975 when he was appointed Tyrone Borough Fire Chief, a position he held for 28 years. After retiring as Chief, he continued to serve the Tyrone community as Fire Marshall and as Borough Emergency Management Coordinator, a position he held until his death.
He also served as a member of Tyrone Borough Council for 20 years.
Tyrone Borough Council Member Virgie Werner, who served with Beckwith on Council, said he was always very involved in the community.
“He has had the entire community at heart. He was a good councilman and was dedicated to the fire companies. He not only worked closely with the fire service, but was also an instrumental part of the rescue and hazmat services.”
Werner also mentioned that Beckwith was a good teacher and that good people taught him and he was devoted to passing on his knowledge to others. “He was instrumental in visiting the schools and in teaching the students about fire safety. He was also instrumental in working with the young firemen.”
Surviving are Beckwith’s wife Shirley, his two children and grandchildren.
There will be a fireman’s service planned for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church.
