Volunteers in Western Maryland are mourning the loss of their president, who died in a crash Saturday while responding to the fire station for a call.
Ed Wilburn, 64, was headed to Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Dept. on Saturday afternoon for a reported trailer fire when he apparently experienced a medical emergency, said Assistant Chief Jason King.
Wilburn lost control of his vehicle, and it veered off Md. 219, It ended up in a ditch about 25 feet off the highway, he said.
His fellow volunteers were diverted from the original call to respond to the crash. Wilburn was pulled from the wreckage, and CPR was initiated.
The resuscitative effort was continued en route to Garrett Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The fire station has been draped with black cloths as members prepare to bury their leader, the department's first line-of-duty loss.
"Many people went to him for advice," King said. "He was our anchor..."
Wilburn, the former fire chief, has been involved in the company since 1973.
Personnel from neighboring companies have been assisting with calls and other duties.
The fire department is draped with black cloths. "It's a sad occasion here," King said.
Wilburn, who owned a remodeling business, retired a week ago.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Newman Funeral Home, Grantsville.
The procession will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and proceed to Hoyes United Methodist Church, McHenry. Services will be held at 11 a.m.
Fire departments wanting more information should call 301-387-5252.
