Friends and co-workers are remembering former longtime fire Chief Charles L. Semple, 79, who died Monday morning at Trumbull Memorial Hospital, as a leader who who cared about his city and firefighters long after retirement.
Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home in Niles. A family member said the funeral has tentatively been set for Friday at Niles First Presbyterian Church.
Fire Capt. Todd Thomas said Semple was a city firefighter for 39 years, serving 22 years as chief.
“He was a good man, who always cared about the guys and asked after them even after he retired. If someone got hurt, he was the first to call and would show up at the hospital,” Thomas said.