Wendi will be remembered in so many ways. She was a woman who found a smile every day, had a story for every occasion, a hand shake for anyone she saw, and a passion for what she believed in.

Wendi entered the Fire Service 16 years ago as a Shipboard Firefighter in the Navy. She was a volunteer firefighter with the City of Virginia Beach. She was a member of the Tidewater Regional Honor Guard and had currently been assigned to Engine 3 at Norfolk Naval Base.

Wendi touched many lives. She was active in her community, a devoted Christian, and happy to help those in need. She loved kids! She could spend hours giving them station tours, ensuring that every possible question they had was answered. Nothing was missed, including her dressing out in full turnout gear, breathing air and holding an axe in one hand pulling a hose line with the other to give them the full effect.        

Wendi was proud of being a firefighter.She was the only female firefighter in the department. That didn't stop her. She wasn't afraid to get dirty, or prove that she could do her job. Wendi was a hard worker and she took initiative to be involved in any way that she could. She was our equal.

She was a proud mother, a loving wife and great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

On Behalf of International Association of Fire Fighters Local F-25 and all members of the fire service, I would like to thank Barry, Barry Jr., and Brandon for Wendi's dedication to the fire service.

Although Wendi has now gone, she will not be forgotten.