Courtesy Herald Leader

A volunteer firefighter was killed yesterday afternoon in Fleming County when the tanker truck he was driving hit a utility pole and overturned, Kentucky State Police said last night.

William L. Thompson, 21, of Hillsboro was responding to a grass fire when the wreck occurred around 3:20 p.m., police said.

He was driving an International Fire Tanker east on Ky. 158 near the community of Ringos Mills when he lost control of the vehicle, which left the road, went into a ditch and hit a utility pole before overturning, police said.

Mr. Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene by Fleming County Deputy Coroner Gary Workman. He was the son of Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Chief William Thompson Sr., Trooper Ralph Lockard said.

Police didn't know last night whether the victim was wearing a seat belt.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, and continue all day Tuesday. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Hutton Funeral Home in Hillsboro.

An agricultural scholarship is being established in Thompson's memory. Donations can be sent to:
Peoples Bank
106 South Main Cross
Flemingsburg, KY 41041