Submitted by Preston Price

On July 4, 1999 at 0254 hours, the Hanover Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Coosa County Road 75. At the same time the mutual aid department's were dispatched also. This included Hollins Fire, Weogufka Fire and County Line Fire. Hanover and Hollins arrived at the same time and began operations. The fire was in a double wide modular home and was heavily involved in flames at arrival.

Approximately 1 hour into the fire, Captain Roger McEwen who was in command and also operating the pump on Hanover's Engine called out for help and collapsed. Coosa County EMS-1 was on the scene with two paramedics, Tommy Chamberlain and Elvis Presley. Approximately 1 minute after he collapsed he was being attended to by the medics. Unfortunately, after a hard fought battle on the scene and at the hospital, Captain McEwen was pronounced dead.

Captain McEwen had suffered a massive heart attack and died quickly.

McEwen, 52, was an active member of Hanover Fire for 10 years and was a founding member. He was employed at Avondale Mills in the trucking department as a mechanic.

McEwen is survived by his wife Marie, one son Roger (Pokey) McEwen, Jr. and three grand kids.

Captain McEwen was the first firefighter in a three county area to die in the line of duty in 25 years. Our area is very rural. A loss like this is extremely hard on us due to the fact that everyone was either related or very close friends. With a average turnout of 5 fireman per call, losing a active member is tough.

Also See

• 1999 LODDs