“He is greatly missed”: Community, firefighters honor the fallen Spokane hero

09/18/2021 6:43 PM

Posted: Sep 18, 2021 6:43 PM

Updated September 18, 2021 9:08 PM

SPOKANE, Wash. – Firefighters from the Spokane area crossed two ladders in the parking lot of Calvary Church on a rainy Saturday morning. A large American flag hangs, flies as a Spokane County Fire District 9 fire engine carries the coffin of Lt. Cody trotters underneath it.

Firefighters, other first responders, and the community came together to remember and honor Trotters.

Traber died on duty on August 26th. Trotters and other firefighters were called in to check for a bushfire near Highway 395 and Wandermere. Trotter was on a bridge when he fell and died.

Traber, who was also a medic, worked in the Spokane County Fire District 9 for 18 years. Previously, he worked in the Stevens County Fire District 1, Cheney Fire Department, and the Department of Natural Resources Arcadia District.

BACK: The Spokane Fire Department mourns the loss of a local firefighter

On Saturday at least 1,500 people and firefighters came to Calvary Spokane to meet Lt. To commemorate trotters.

“When a firefighter dies, the entire fire department feels it,” said Bob Shindelar, division chief for Spokane County Fire District 9.

Shindelar worked at Traber’s side. Losing him, as anyone can imagine, was devastating – for him, the rest of the SCFD 9 crew and of course his family.

Today firefighters honor and commemorate Lt. Cody Traber, a Spokane Co. District 9 firefighter who lost his life prematurely.

Under Highway 395 near Wandermere is a memorial where Traber died on August 26 while looking for a bushfire. @ kxly4news pic.twitter.com/6RxpUvwLpB

– Elenee Dao KXLY (@Elenee_Dao) September 18, 2021

At 11:30 a.m., a procession started from Station 92, where Traber was working. The streets were lined with more than 100 different fire devices in honor of Trotter.

“It will be a very honorable monument to recognize all of Cody’s accomplishments, to recognize him as our friend, as our firefighter comrade,” said Shindelar emotionally.

Shindelar said Traber was a firefighter who did everything for his brothers and sisters as well as the community.

Trotters loved fighting forest fires, Shindelar said. He was also a big part of helping people exercise.

“He was a mentor to many of the firefighters in our department. He pushed our firefighters to be better than they are today, and he’s done that for himself throughout his career with us, ”said Shindelar. “He will be missed very much.”

The loving father leaves behind his wife Allysin and four small children.

“He was a very loving person. He was very family oriented and his wife and children were the world to him, ”said Shindelar.

A memorial sits near the spot where Traber died near the Wandermere Bridge. Flowers were there along with a photo of him and a couple of fire trucks right next to them.

Since Traber’s death, Shindelar has said the community support has been “incredible”.

“On behalf of Spokane County’s 9th Fire Department, I just want to thank all of the community members who have supported Cody’s family through this difficult time,” Shindelar said in a shaky voice.

Traber is gone, but not forgotten. As you would say to the fire department, “they will take it from here”.

Shindelar said people can still contribute to the charity fund if they want. All proceeds go to Traber’s wife and children. To help, click the link below.

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