Keesler loses veteran firefighter Published Nov. 19, 2008 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS -- Keesler fire inspector Ernie Snyder died unexpectedly Nov. 11 at a hospital in Mobile, Ala. "Ernie was a firefighter's firefighter and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have met him," said J.D. Donnett, Keesler's fire emergency services chief. Mr. Snyder, 49, a native of Wood County, Ohio, retired from active duty with the fire department at Hurlburt Field, Fla., as a technical sergeant with 22 years of service. Five years ago, he joined the fire emergency services team at Keesler. In addition to his fire inspector responsibilities, he also served as the unit's logistics officer, assistant chief of hazardous materials safety and a member of the 81st Training Wing's exercise evaluation team. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Jo Ann Snyder. He's survived by his wife, Teri, and two daughters, Mary and Jessica. Friday, a memorial service was held at the chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. That same day, fire emergency services flights at Keesler and across the Air Force, both stateside and overseas, conducted a final alarm ceremony for Mr. Snyder.