Updated: KY Firefighter Sustains Fatal Injuries at Wildfire

Nov. 18, 2016
Red Bird firefighter Rodney Collett died from injuries he sustained on Oct. 29.

Editor's Note: Funeral information is published at the end of the story.

A Red Bird Volunteer Fire and Rescue firefighter died from injuries he sustained while battling a brush fire.

Ted Rodney Collett was battling a wildfire in Leslie County on Oct. 29 when he suffered serious injuries.

"While fighting the fire, a tree limb fell striking the fire apparatus and Firefighter Collett causing him to suffer head and arm injuries. He was airlifted to Pikeville Medical Center for treatment,” according to a statement obtained by the Middlesboro Daily News.

He died from his injuries on the evening of Nov. 17.

"Red Bird Vol. Fire & Rescue, along with Bell Co. Fire Dept. has lost a beautiful, dedicated, one of a kind soul that in his few years in the fire service reminded all of those around us the difference that one person can make in his lifetime!" the department posted on their Facebook page.

"We ask during this difficult time to continue to remember his family in your prayers and give them the privacy they need until they are ready to celebrate not only his life in the fire service, but his lifetime of cherished memories that his family and friends have of this beautiful angel"

Collett was also a member of the Bell County Volunteer Fire Department.

"Rodney was a great man and had one of the biggest hearts you will ever find and loved serving his community," the Bell County Fire Department posted on Facebook. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the family."

Collett is survived by his parents, Rev. Ted and Shirley Collett and his sister.

Visitation will be Monday, Nov. 21 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home, Pineville, KY, and Tuesday at the Beverly United Methodist Church in Beverly, KY, from 9 a.m. until funeral services begin at 1 p.m.

Burial will be in the Slusher #4 Cemetery at Red Bird.

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