Dale firefighter dies after battle with COVID-19

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, Wis. (WBAY) - A member of Dale Fire & Rescue has died from COVID-19.

Firefighter/Driver Operator Raymond Samson was 55. He passed away Saturday, Jan. 22.

A heartfelt obituary was posted on the Borchardt & Moder-Hortonville Funeral Home website.

“After a long, hard fought battle against COVID-19, Ray passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on Saturday, January 22, 2022,” reads the obituary.

CLICK HERE to read the full obituary.

“He was patriotic and had many American flags displayed around our home. Ray loved animals and his dogs were family. If you had a problem with his dogs, he likely had a problem with you. He could always see the beauty around him....sunsets being his favorite.”

The obituary thanks the medical staff that took care of Raymond.

“You are truly angels on earth,” reads the obituary. “You are simply amazing and your dedication and compassion will never be forgotten.”

This is the second time a firefighter has died in Outagamie County from COVID since late December.

The other case involved a Vandenbroek-Kaukauna firefighter.

“I know it’s hard for the folks in Dale, just as it was difficult for the folks in Vandenbroek-Kaukauna. So I think it’s very important. It’s very important as a community for us to really do all we can to try to support that family support that community. It’s the right thing to do,” said Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Dale Town Hall building on State Rd. 96.