32 fire agencies participate in funeral procession
Versailles fire chief laid to rest
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Versailles volunteer firefighters were somber as they filed in to pay their last respects to their brother firefighter and chief, Richard Purvis. Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 18, at the South Ripley Jr. Sr. High School, where they could accommodate the crowd.

According to Chuck Gunter, Versailles firefighter, there were 32 different fire agencies who participated in the procession that led from the school to the Cliff Hill Cemetery, where final rites were held for 36-year-old Purvis, who died at his home on Tuesday, June 14.

Officiating at the funeral was Dale Day minister of the Versailles Church of Christ. "His service to our community has blessed us all...we acknowledge and gratefully honor that service," Day told the crowd that had gathered to say goodbye.

Indiana State Fire Marshal Roger Johnson spoke on Purvis' behalf saying he "played an integral part at the state level." He noted his fallen comrade's dedication, commitment and courage to the fire community saying Purvis didn't do it for himself, but always for others. He noted that Congressman Mike Sodrel was in attendance at the funeral and Governor Mitch Daniels had stopped by the firehouse to give his condolences. He further noted that Purvis was a special person who touched the lives of many.

Greensburg and Batesville fire departments. There the firefighters from Versailles and their families began walking alongside the firetruck that carried the body of Purvis to his final resting place, about six blocks. They were escorted by an honor guard, complete with bagpiper.

Purvis had served over 20 years on the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department, where he was the chief. His memberships included the Ripley County Fire Chiefs Association, the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, had served as the director of Emergency Management Association, Rescue 69, where he served on the board of directors and former member of Task Unit One.

He held a number of state and local certifications including being a First Responder, Haz-mat operations level, Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II, Wildland certified, Fire Investigator I, Instructor I/II, Fire Officer I and II, Severe Weather Spotter, and Elevator Rescue.

The Indiana State Police are investigating the exact cause of Purvis' death. In a prior statement police said a deputy who had gone to the residence to serve court papers detected a burning smell coming from the home. He contacted the fire department and later the body of Purvis was discovered in the basement.

An autopsy was performed last Wednesday, but the findings have not been released.

(See full obituary inside today's paper).

LINDA CHANDLER PHOTO

Led by an honor guard, a firetruck carrying the body of Versailles Volunteer Fire Department's Chief Richard Purvis was escorted to his final resting place in the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Fellow firefighters and their families, walked the last six blocks to the gravesite beside their fallen comrade. The road was lined with firefighters who saluted paying their final respects.