It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of District Fire Chief Homer Larry Cross (Age 74) of the Fortsmouth Volunteer Fire Department.
On Monday, January 23, 2023, members of the Fortsmouth Volunteer Fire Department discovered District Chief Cross unresponsive at the Fire Station and began life-saving intervention procedures, but unfortunately the Chief was pronounced dead at the station.
District Fire Chief Homer Larry Cross
Chief Cross began his career as a firefighter with Fortsmouth Volunteer Fire Department in 1983. Later, he served his community as a long-term district chief, dedicating himself to saving lives and helping those in need. Throughout his years in the fire service, Chief Cross has been honored to work with a fantastic group of men and women, many of whom today serve in various fire service leadership capacities across the Commonwealth’s Fire Service.
“District Fire Chief Homer Cross has been an inspiration to our department and an affirmation at almost every fire station,” said Fire Chief James Bonzano. “He was a dedicated firefighter, but most of all a good friend whose legacy will certainly live on through the care and compassion he instilled in the next generation of our firefighters.”
Arrangements for District Head Cross are as follows:
Family evening will be held on Monday, January 30, 2023, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. at Maddox Funeral Home at 105 W. Main Street, Front Royal, VA.
A funeral service with Fire Service and Military Service Honors for District Chief Cross will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at noon at Riverton United Methodist Church at 55 E. Strasburg Road, Front Royal, VA.
A procession will be held from the church to Panorama Memorial Gardens, where last respects will be paid.
The Cross Family will receive guests after the service at the Front Royal Volunteer Fire Station at 221 N. Commerce Avenue, Front Royal, VA.
