Mechanic, Boss Fired after Walker County, GA, Rig Crash

July 7, 2025
The mechanic, who said he regularly test-drove rigs he fixed, was cited by police for not having the proper class license.

A fire apparatus mechanic behind the wheel of a Walker County ladder truck that crashed and burned recently has been fired.

His supervisor also lost his job after the incident, WTVC reported. 

Chance Pendergrass told a reporter: "I wouldn't have let it go without test driving it. You know, it was just another day at work. For me, I didn't feel like I was doing anything out of the ordinary."

Just before reaching the tracks, the anti-lock braking system light activated. Moments later, the passenger side brake locked up and pulled the truck off the shoulder of the road, he explained.

Walker County officials said they are in the process of replacing the $650,000 rig. They also reported it was only covered by liability insurance. 

Reporters obtained the information after filing a request under the state's open records law. 

 

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.