West Sunbury loses longtime firefighter
John Bunyan was a man who always answered the call.
“Many, many nights, the fire whistle would go off and he would be gone,” said Joni Bunyan about her husband, John Bunyan, a longtime firefighter and former West Sunbury Council member. He died Friday at age 64.
She said she married a good man.
“I could have never asked for a better one,” Joni Bunyan said. “He was very loving and kind. Took care of his boys and made sure they were OK.”
Bunyan was known around the borough for his 41 years of service at the West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department and his involvement in the community.
Bunyan held various positions in the department throughout the years. Ranked a lieutenant, he served as vice president, president and trustee of the department at various points.
Bunyan's comrades paid their respects via posts on Facebook.
“Thank you for your years and immeasurable hours of dedicated service to your community,” one post said. “He was one man you could almost guarantee was gonna answer the call no matter what time, 2 a.m. or 6 p.m., he was always there to take care of his neighbors.”
As West Sunbury's firefighters took time off to grieve, other departments stepped in to answer their calls.
The West Sunbury department praised Pine Township, North Washington, Slippery Rock, Chicora, Eau Claire and Unionville, among others, who covered West Sunbury's service area during Bunyan's funeral.
The Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Team supplied its ladder truck with a giant American flag that stood watch over the funeral home during Bunyan's visitation services.
“Fly high, Lieutenant 25, we've got it from here,” another post by the West Sunbury department said.Joni Bunyan said her husband inspired others with his spirit and energy.“John was not a sit-down person. He was always on the go,” she said.In addition to his work with the fire department, Bunyan worked for West Sunbury borough and Clay Township municipalities.Joni Bunyan said that her husband deeply cared about his neighbors. He made friends everywhere and worked to ensure that the older ones could go about their day comfortably and in peace.She said he loved to take care of chores for people to make their days easier.“He loved cutting grass for people,” she said. “He would do the whole block around here.”But regardless of his community work, he made sure that his family took priority, Joni Bunyan said.“He was a fantastic man,” she said. “He was a very good husband and took care of his family and made sure we came first.”
