Marion County Fire Rescue is inviting the public to attend the funeral services for a local firefighter who passed away earlier this month following a lengthy battle against COVID-19.
Charles “Chuck” Westphal, a Driver Engineer with Marion County Fire Rescue, began battling the disease in August of 2021. He was stricken with COVID-19 early in the outbreak and remained in a coma for nearly four months.
Upon his release from the hospital, Westphal regained some of his strength. He strove to return to his previous position at Marion County Fire Rescue, but he faced numerous health challenges.
According to MCFR, Westphal “demonstrated his remarkable character by returning to the weights, embodying the firefighter’s spirit of never giving up.”
Westphal continued to fight up until Sunday, February 4, when he passed away in the evening from complications related to COVID-19.
“(Westphal) leaves behind a legacy of camaraderie, bravery, and commitment to our community,” stated MCFR. “Chuck was more than a colleague; he was family.”
On Saturday, February 17, funeral services will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Church at the Springs, which is located at 5424 SE 58th Avenue in Ocala.
A line-of-duty death funeral procession honoring Westphal was also initially planned to take place on Saturday morning, but MCFR announced on social media that it has been canceled due to expected inclement weather.
The funeral service is open to the public.
“Chuck will be remembered for his infectious laughter, his unwavering dedication to our mission, and the countless lives he touched throughout his career,” stated MCFR. “As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the life he lived and the impact he made on all of us.”
MCFR added that Westphal’s bravery and dedication will continue to be a source of inspiration. “We will carry (his) legacy forward, always standing strong together as one family.”
Westphal is survived by his wife and three daughters living in Tampa.