Retired Burlingame Fire Department Assistant Chief Wesley C. Russell, 95, passed away recently. Born in Soquel, CA, he was one of seven siblings and a graduate of Balboa High School in San Francisco, he met his wife, Jean, in 1947.Â
Wes joined the fire department in 1956, was promoted to Captain in 1961, and served for over 20 years in that rank on the A-Shift until becoming Assistant Chief in 1984.Â
He retired in 1985 after 29 years, significantly contributing to the department’s growth to three stations and responding to notable incidents such as the 1968 Japan Air Lines DC-8 crash while on approach to SFO, where his crew helped ensure all 107 passengers escaped unharmed. Notably, he also led the restoration of Burlingame’s first major piece of firefighting equipment, a 1908 Stempel double 35-gallon chemical engine, now displayed at Station 36.Â
He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Jean; daughter Donna Russell Larson; son David Russell; grandchildren Russell Hartnett and Gabrielle (Hartnett) Sala; great-grandchildren David and Caleb Sala; and was predeceased by grandson Wade Russell.
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