Derrick Nester Obituary and Death: Reading PA, Wyomissing Fire Department Chief Dies of Heart Attack – Funeral Details
Captain Derrick Nester, a 43-year-old veteran of the Wyomissing Fire Department, tragically passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at his residence. The United States Fire Administration announced that his death occurred in the line of duty.
Captain Derrick L. Nester worked an overtime shift on Sunday, May 5, 2024, responding to multiple calls, including a residential structure fire. After his shift, he returned home. When he failed to report for his regular tour of duty on the evening of Monday, May 6, 2024, fellow firefighters attempted to contact him, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful.
He was found deceased by his fire chief at home, apparently due to a heart attack.
Derrick Nester served the Wyomissing Fire Department for 17 years, first as a volunteer and later as a career firefighter. He joined the department as a junior firefighter in 1994 and served as a volunteer firefighter for 13 years. Beginning his tenure as a career firefighter in 2007, he fulfilled his duties as a driver and emergency medical technician until his promotion to captain in December 2014.
Throughout his tenure, he chaired the fire department’s apparatus committee and was instrumental in designing Engine 79, a 2009 KME Predator Engine; Tower 79, a 2013 Seagrave Tower-ladder; and Ladder 79, a 2020 Pierce 107-foot Quint.
Nester received the 2010 Firefighter of the Year award for his efforts to remove a trapped civilian from a burning apartment building in Wyomissing. In 2017, Nester received a unit citation acknowledging his team’s efforts to rescue a trapped civilian from a residential fire in Shillington. Most recently, Derrick was recognized in April, along with two other members of the Wyomissing Fire Department, for their efforts to save the life of a citizen experiencing a medical emergency in Wyomissing.
Viewing was held on Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home, and on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s UCC, followed by interment at Limerick Garden of Memories.
At the wishes of the family, and in honor of Nester’s fire service career, those attending the funeral service were invited to file into the funeral procession. Patrons wishing to attend the interment services but not joining the procession were asked to leave the church and drive to Limerick Garden of Memories before the procession leaves St. Paul’s.
The procession route traveled north on Old Swede Road, west on Benjamin Franklin Highway (Route 422), onto Maplewood Drive, then turned left (eastbound) onto Route 422 to the Limerick exit, turning left onto North Lewis Road to the Swamp Pike traffic circle, exiting the circle at East Arcadia Drive and turning left into the cemetery. Fire apparatus were displayed on various overpasses along the procession route to salute Nester.
Captain Derrick Nester is survived by his daughter, Kayla E. Nester of Amity Township, and his brother, Jace J. Nester of Elverson. He also leaves behind his grandmother, Marian (Mohn) Schmale, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The Wyomissing Fire Department and the entire community will deeply miss Derrick Nester’s dedication, leadership, and friendship. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the lives he saved. Rest in peace, Captain Nester.
The funeral service was a testament to the impact Captain Nester had on the community, with fellow firefighters, family, and friends gathering to pay their respects. The procession was a fitting tribute to his service and dedication to the Wyomissing Fire Department.
Captain Nester’s legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to serve their communities with courage, compassion, and selflessness. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and his contributions to the Wyomissing Fire Department will never be forgotten.
In the days and weeks ahead, the community will come together to support one another and remember the life and service of Captain Derrick Nester. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his memory will continue to inspire others to serve their communities with pride and dedication.
The Wyomissing Fire Department and the entire community will always remember Captain Derrick Nester as a hero, a leader, and a friend. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the lives he saved. Rest in peace, Captain Nester.
Captain Derrick Nester’s passing is a tremendous loss to the Wyomissing Fire Department and the entire community. His family and friends will deeply miss his love, support, and guidance. However, his legacy of courage, compassion
