WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Firefighting is more than just battling fires and protecting the community; it's like a brotherhood. Williamsport Bureau of Fire members say they spend more time with each other than their own families.
"Mike and I spent a lot of time together from working in Lewisburg together," said JJ Lyons, Williamsport Bureau of Fire Platoon Chief.
Creating a tight-knit community at the fire stations.
"Spent a lot of time together, not just talking about fire department stuff but talking about family and life and going through everything from buying a new home, to new vehicles to kids, spent a lot of time just discussing life," explained Lyons.
Just like any other family—fire departments also deal with grief.
"We learned a lot from each other, and it hurts, it's going to be tough," said Lyons.
Especially when it comes to losing one of their own, Lieutenant Michael Bastian passed away suddenly on Monday, December 2nd.
"Mike's loss is going to be huge for our department. He was an extremely great guy, great friend, great dad, great mentor," said Lyons.
Bastian was a member of the Williamsport Bureau of Fire for nine years.
"Mike and I had two totally different managing styles, I guess you could say," said Lyons.
Lieutenant Bastian's passing is a shock for his fellow firefighters and the community. He was involved with fire fighting and emergency services throughout the area. He leaves behind a wife and a 13-month-old daughter.
"He was a member of Milton Fire Department and Northumberland County, worked at William Cameron Engineer company in Lewisburg, Harrisburg International Airport, there's a lot he worked for Evangelical—Evan EMS," said Lyons.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help out Lieutenant Bastian's family. If you'd like to donate, click here.