The Columbia Borough Fire Department regretfully announces the passing of long time member and Fire Chief Wayne Nau. Wayne was known to pretty much everyone as Doc.
Doc joined the Susquehanna Fire Co. #4, known as the Hambones, in 1957. During his time became a driver/operator of all the apparatus, including the water rescue boat.
Doc became the Fire Chief of the department in 1973. His desire and aggressive nature made the Hambones a very proactive fire department. He was strategic in making the Hambones a well known name in the specialty of rescue and one of the first in the area. He led the department to the Hershey Rescue competition in 1978, where they were the only volunteer rescue company to place in the top 5. He was also instrumental in having the department in the IFSTA Rescue Practices Manual in 1981. Doc was also instrumental in creating the hazardous materials team the department had from 1981-1989.
Doc spent 4 years as the Columbia Borough Fire Chief from 83-85 and 91-93, when the Borough had 5 fire departments. He retired as the Fire Chief in 1993, but remained a trustee for 10 years and a loyal member providing input and direction when needed.
He served on the committees for the design of the 1971 CF600 Mack and the 1977 Ford/Hammerly Heavy Rescue. He was also involved with fundraising projects that included the carnival, Christmas tree sales, chicken barbecues, bingo, dances, and various raffles.
Doc was a true leader, mentor, and devoted member. A devoted member of the Columbia Borough Fire Dept that wil be greatly missed.
In his later life you could find Doc hanging out at the Hambones Social Club telling his old one-line jokes that always made you laugh or telling old fire stories to the young guys who’d ask. I’m sure Doc is up there betting those racehorses with his brother Marlin already.
Rest in peace Doc, we’ll take it from here.
Services will be shared once they are released.