LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Funeral arrangements have been announced for a fire chief who lost his battle with both cancer and COVID-19.
Visitation for Chief Rob Orkies will take place Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Dec. 17 from noon to 8 p.m. at Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home (John Harper at Preston Highway) – Shepherdsville.
Funeral services will be held on Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. at Okolona Christian Church located at 10801 Faithful Way in Louisville. Burial and fire service honors will follow at Brookland Cemetery.
PROCESSION ROUTE
According to Zonetone Fire District Facebook page, this is the procession route: Leaving Okolona Christina Church, turn right on Mount Washington Road then North on Preston, left on Maple Springs Drive, Left on Old Preston, pause 10 seconds in front of Okolona fire station 2. Then left on to Interchange Way, right on Preston Hwy southbound. Turn left on Old Preston (near Priceless), pause 10 seconds in front of the old Zoneton Station 1, proceed to new Preston Highway turn left (southbound) to current Zoneton Fire Station #1, pause 10 seconds. Two aerial apparatus with Garrison Flag in front of Zoneton Station #1. Then continue south on Preston to John Harper. Fire apparatus to continue south to Hebron Lane, all other vehicles right on John Harper to Brookland Cemetery entrance on left.
A guess for departure from Church is at noon but could be later. Many factors determine departure time.
The procession route is steeped in traditions. There is a brief pause at each station to which the fallen firefighter was assigned as final goodbyes are said.
Masks and social distancing are required at both visitation and funeral.
Chief Orkies fought fires with Zoneton for more than 30 years.
He announced in September doctors found late stage cancer in his neck and lymph nodes. A week into his cancer treatment, Orkies tested positive for COVID-19 and later placed on a ventilator.
He died Friday.
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