The USFA has reported the death of Huttonsville-Mill Creek, W.Va. Firefighter Robert L. McAtee.
On Jan. 20 McAtee responded chimney fire. Upon arrival, he reported to the chief, who is also his son, and told him that he thought that he pulled a muscle opening the apparatus bay door when leaving the station.
Later McAtee was observed holding his chest and when asked, indicated that he thought that perhaps it was the extremely cold weather that was causing him discomfort.
Firefighter McAtee declined to be sent for evaluation or treatment and returned the apparatus to the station. He returned home and was witnessed by his wife again holding his chest, but stated it was either a pulled muscle or from the extreme cold.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., Chief McAtee was summoned to his father's residence, finding him unresponsive.
CPR was initiated on scene by the son and care was continued through transport to the local hospital where the elder McAtee succumbed to his injuries.
Funeral Information
Friends may call from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday at Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday from the funeral home chapel with Pastor Mark Greaver officiating. Interment will follow at the Brick Church Cemetery at Huttonsville.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Huttonsville-Mill Creek Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 66, Huttonsville, W.Va. 26273 or Calvary Assembly of God, Valley Head, W.Va. 26294.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.
