The chief of the Southern Jackson Volunteer Fire Department died of an apparent heart attack while responding to an auto crash on Saturday morning.
According to local network television station, WSAZ, the volunteer Fire Chief Charlie Pierson was in an emergency vehicle at the Ripley station getting ready to respond when he suffered a medical emergency. Jackson County Emergency Services Director Walter Smittle told the television station it was a heart attack.
The newspaper West Virginia Gazette reported efforts to save the chief were not successful.
The event happened shortly after 5 a.m. according to news reports.
Details about the event and Pierson’s career are not immediately available nor is there any word about funeral services. Firehouse.com will provide details as they become available.
