One of Little Rock's bravest was laid to rest Saturday, Oct. 24th. Firefighter Dustin Werner was a Little Rock Firefighter and member of IAFF Local #34. He passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21st after suddenly collapsing while jogging off duty. Not only did Brother Werner serve the citizens of Little Rock, he also served the nation. Dustin is a Chief Warrant Officer in the Arkansas Army National Guard. In 2006 he served a tour of duty in Iraq and flew Black Hawk helicopters. Most recently he became a C-26 fixed wing pilot for the Joint Forces Headquarters of the Arkansas National Guard. He was one of just a few pilots qualified in Arkansas to fly the "flying cigar", which the C-26 is sometimes called.
Dustin was assigned to Engine 15 "B" shift of the Little Rock Fire Department. One of the busiest engine companies in the state of Arkansas.
Brother Werner was born May 8, 1976, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He studied criminal justice at Pensacola Christian College. Dustin wrestled for four years in college and was a three-time national champion. Dustin graduated with a degree in criminal justice in 1999, he then moved to Ward, Arkansas.
Dustin and his wife have a young daughter, son, and they are expecting another child in March. Please continue to keep Dustin's family and the crews at Station 15 in your thoughts and prayers.
Anyone who would like to send letters of condolences or would like to donate to Werner's family love offering fund, please send to Local #34, 8619 Chicot Road, Little Rock, AR 72209. Please make checks out to the Dustin Werner Fund.
Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers,
IAFF Local 34, Little Rock Firefighters