Morning Journal/Mary Ann Greier
Salem Fire Capt. Jeff Ohlinger, firefighter Mike Bryan, inspector Derek Day, Lt. Ken Vernon and Salem police Lt. Dave Casto salute as the funeral procession for retired salem fire inspector and platoon leader Larry Darner of Leetonia passes by Friday afternoon, with the hearse escorted by Fire Chief Scott Mason on West State Street. Darner, who served 28 years in the fire service, including in the U.S. Air Force, died March 5 from injuries in a motor vehicle accident. During the Last Call aired over the radio after the sounding of fire tones, a dispatcher payed homage to his time with the SFD which began Sept. 1, 1969 and ended Jan. 1, 1992, saying “He has returned home with the Lord to fulfill his new duty as an angel to watch over his family, friends and fellow firefighters. He will forever be in our hearts.”