KIA September 20th, 2004

MOBILE, Ala. — Sgt. Foster L. Harrington was remembered Saturday as a brave Marine who died fighting for his country.

Harrington’s service as a volunteer firefighter also was honored during a memorial service at Westwood Baptist Church in Seven Hills.

Harrington, 31, was killed September 20, 2004 while fighting insurgents in Iraq’s Anbar province.

He was a member of the Mobile-based 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, a Marine Reserve unit. He was also a medic and a firefighter with the Seven Hills Fire District.

Seven Hills Fire Chief Paul Newton fought back tears as he remembered Harrington at the memorial service.

“It was just like he was my son.”

He pointed to Harrington’s firefighting uniform and helmet, folded neatly beside the podium, and said, “This will be placed in our station. His number will be retired.”

About two dozen Seven Hills firefighters attended the service, as did representatives of fire departments throughout the area.

Cpl. Brian Shettlesworth of the locally based Marine unit, told the audience, “He was one of the finest Marines I’ve ever met. I’ll never forget him.”

U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner of Mobile said Harrington gave his life “for the greatest nation in the world.”

Bonner also said he entered a tribute to Harrington in the Congressional Record earlier this week.

Tom Walsh, the chaplain for the Seven Hills department, said Harrington grew up wanting to become a firefighter and a Marine.

“He lived his dream,” Walsh said.

Harrington’s funeral was held Tuesday in Fort Worth, Texas, the city where he had spent much of his life. He was buried in the National Cemetery in Grand Prairie, Texas.

The slain Marine moved to the Mobile area about 18 months ago and joined the Seven Hills firefighters. His parents were deceased, and he had no children. He was engaged to 26-year-old Fran Poston of the Seven Hills area. She sat on the front pew of the church during the service.