Despite a sudden downpour of rain, people from all over DeKalb County paid their respects at the memorial.
“The support from the community and surrounding counties was absolutely touching,” Wahl said. “It almost felt like DeKalb County shut down for those hours and honored a true family man and hero.
“As the memorial took place, it began to flood out of nowhere,” she added. “I believe Kole looked down with the angels and tears fell from the sky at the honor he was receiving that day.”
After the memorial, firefighters put the casket on the CFD’s new rescue truck and started a procession through DeKalb County, going past the fire station where he served one last time.
“As we came through Geraldine, the band stopped practice and honored Kole as we passed by,” Rolph said.