HEATHER CASPI
Firehouse.Com News
An Alabama firefighter died in the line of duty February 13 after
suffering an apparent heart attack at the scene of a water-main break.
Robert Samuel "Bobby" Nichols, Jr. had just been promoted to
lieutenant after completing one year of service with the Loretto
Volunteer Fire Department.
Nichols, 39, joined the department because of his long-time interest
in the fire service and his friendships with current members, said
Capt. Bart Bolling.
On the 13th, a water-main burst and began washing out a road,
creating a major traffic hazard. Nichols had been directing traffic
for just a few minutes when he collapsed, Bolling said. Firefighters
on scene immediately began treatment and called an ambulance.
Nichols is survived by his wife and his 16-year-old daughter. He
worked as manager of a butcher shop and was on the board of directors
at his church, Bolling said.
"He was just one of the nicest people you could ever meet," the
captain said. "He wanted to help his community more than anything.
And he was a great family man."
Services were held last week at the Cullman Heritage funeral home,
and Nichols was buried at the Good Hope Cemetery.
This was the first line of duty death in the department.
"We really had to pull together," Bolling said. "It was just real
tough afterwards."
The Loretto Volunteer Fire Department has 25 members and protects a
population of 2500 in an area of 15 square miles.
Donations can be sent to Nichols' family in care of the fire
department at 7648 County Road 437, Cullman, Alabama 35057.
Related:
Alabama FF Dies on Duty