In Memory of Nick Davila - www.safirefighters.com

Nick Davila

IAFF 16th District Vice President Nick Davila was killed in a traffic accident Thursday night, January 31, 2003, near San Antonio, Texas.

Words cannot express shock, grief, and deep sorrow for the recent tragic death of Nick, our brother and colleague. It is a terrible loss for us all. Even though traumatic death is often a part of our profession, this horrible accident is still very hard to accept. In times like these we must unite and comfort his loved ones.

Buddy Mass rushed to Nick’s bedside to be with Barbara and his sons. Buddy was there when Nick passed away. The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association played a great part in providing a solemn service honoring our much loved brother.		International Association of Firefighters AFL-CIO

Photo from Nick Davila's funeral service.

“The IAFF has lost one of its most dedicated and committed leaders,” said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. (See photo below.) “Nick Davila’s death is a devastating loss to his family and loved ones, our union, the IAFF Executive Board, and every federal firefighter he represented. Brother Davila worked tirelessly to protect the interests and the safety of every IAFF member in his district and he will be missed by all who knew him.”

A. Nick Davila, 55, was serving his second term on the IAFF Executive Board as 16th District IAFF Vice President after a long career as a federal fire fighter at Kelly Air Force Base. He previously held the position of President of Local F-89, which represents fire fighters at Kelly Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base and Randolph Air Force Base.

Brother Davila also served as the IAFF's liaison officer to the Air Force Material Command, was Vice-President of the Federal Fire Fighters Joint Council, and served as an IAFF state representative. He was a Navy veteran who served two combat tours in Vietnam.

“On behalf of the IAFF Executive Board and the International staff who worked closely with Nick, I send our sincere condolences to his beloved Barbara, his children, his parents, his family and his friends,” Schaitberger continued. “We have all suffered a tragic loss and the brothers and sisters of the 16th District have lost a dedicated advocate.”

Remembering Nick Davila
Click on the photo to enlarge view.

Following the accident, 11th District Vice President Ernest “Buddy” Mass and members of San Antonio Local 624 and F-89 rushed to the hospital to join Vice President Davila’s loved ones at his side.

“We mourn Nick’s passing,” Schaitberger said. “He was a friend, a leader, and a true professional.”

Services for Nick were held at Mission San Jose in San Antonio, Texas. He was laid in his final resting place alongside other loyal comrades at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

Our deepest compassion goes out to Barbara, his sons, parents and loved ones.

May Nick Davila rest in peace.

Harold Schaitberger Remembering Nick Davila