Hey Boss,
Love you man! I’ve been with ya for two years and I know you’re at peace now, finally your wish! I’m glad you made it up there! Glad you’re not suffering:) you’re family should be at peace knowing you DID NOT EVER want them to see you this way! We shared so many amazing stories (Paramedics and military-wise)  that we bonded more than most, on a different level! Boss, you brightened my days! Love you man! RIP!!!!
ps I miss your Sunday snacks from your daughter ;) she loved you more than anything (I could hear her)!RIP my good friend 

Our very best neighbor. Many great memories 

Godspeed to the man who gave me the chance to become an EMT, supported me, believed in me, to which the words thank you would never be enough. Regardless of how things ended up; heaven has gained a man who lived his entire life serving others in their greatest time of need. You will be missed, but never forgotten. 

Cap,
          No words can quantify the meaning and impact you have had on my life…When I first walked into MFARS, you accepted me with open arms.. After that day you molded me into the EMT i thought could not be possible. From the Heart to Heart talks to the boots implanted in me to get up and get on a rig to the midnight surprise visits at the squad to chew me out for doing something stupid. You have helped me in so many ways to a point that I even knew i was as in trouble when the words “hey Tom” echoed the squad building. The very short time I was your 1st LT and other line positions, you always knew how to handle any situation. You were and still are the reason I’ve had the ability to save my dying father from a Heart attack with CPR. You have changed so many lives and helped save many more. Now we hope all the EMTs and Medics you have molded over the years has you watching over our shoulder like always as we do what you have taught us from day one.. Everyday I step on a rig I will always have you in my mind and heart to guide me and my hands to always be and do better! We will miss you 290!!

You came into my life at a time when I needed a sense of direction. When I couldn’t trust myself. You told me “you’re not ready for EMT school but I’ll tell you when you are” and when I finally was, you were 100% right. I remember times when you would yell at me for something and I’d go to Marie’s office and she would say “it’s only because he loves you” and she was so right! You taught lessons hard but you loved even harder. Thank you for teaching me to trust myself again. I will miss you, Joe! Fly high with the angels and keep watching over all of us. We love you!

Oh captain my captain.

When I met you, I was a snot-nose kid with no sense of direction. You took me under your wing and gave me a purpose. I learned so much from you. Lessons that I take with me every time I set foot in an ambulance. I often find myself saying, "Captain would be proud." after carrying out one of your many teachings in the real world. 

I will never forget serving with you on MFARS. It was always about the community. The worse it got, the more passionate you became. During superstorm Sandy, you were constantly running all over the place. You lead and inspired so many to the point where we ran into the heart of the storm with no fear. I hope to one day be able to inspire even a fraction of the people you have. You were one of the strongest men I have ever known and had the pleasure to serve with. You will always be my captain. I will forever remember you and carry out your teachings to any who will lend an ear. Rest easy my friend.

I remember being on the first aid squad walking passing his office and hearing his famous words " Hey Guy". You knew someone was getting yelled at or picked on after everything was done Joe was a great friend, leader, mentor and family . No matter what time of the day he was there for us. So as we all gather to send you off just know you are still our Captain rest easy my friend til we see you again 

The world lost a great man. A man that I know without him I probably be in jail. I owe him my life. The life that he made me realize I deserve. Without him I wouldn't be me. I wouldn't have my wife and my 3 beautiful kids. I meet him 23 years ago. He told me that I was the most angry boy he has ever seen. He said that with my anger no one could stop me. Then he showed me that I don't have to be angry. That I can use that to become someone more. Because of him I work a job I love. Because of him I was there to save so many life's. Becouse of him I able to say good bye to one of the greatest if not the greatest man. The greatest captain. But most of all the greatest father that no one deserved. Good by Joseph klimakowski the world is a better place becouse of you and now heaven has a great angel. Thank you for giving me my life.

OBITUARY

Joseph R. Klimakowski

January 18, 1942 – July 8, 2022

Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home

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