A fire department in North Carolina remains out of service while members grieve for fellow firefighters killed Saturday when their tanker crashed.
Billy Harold Williams, 45, and Brandon Whimple, 19, volunteers with Rhodestown Voluteer Fire Department, will be laid to rest this week.
The crash just before noon occurred on a straight road. It's believed the wheels slipped off the highway, and the driver overcompensated while trying to regain control. The 1987 Chevrolet tanker carrying 1,200 gallons of water veered off the road and rolled over, said Chief Martin Updegraff.
He had a bad feeling when he heard on his radio that the tanker was involved in a wreck, knowing that was the route it would take. "I just knew it had to be mine..."
The chief arrived a few minutes later to confirm his worst fear. Three Rhodestown firefighters following the tanker witnessed the crash, and called it in.
Williams, the driver, was ejected, while Whimple was pinned underneath the tanker. Updegraff said he didn't believe they were wearing seatbelts.
The crash remains under investigation by the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
Personnel from nearby departments have been handling calls since Saturday. Updegraff said a critical incident stress team will be conducting a session on Monday night.
The volunteers are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. "We've gotten e-mails from people in Texas. It's been incredible, the amount of calls and messages we've received..."
Updegraff said the loss of the two men has left a void in the department and the community.
"Billy was always there. He ran a lot of calls. Billy just never slowed down..."
"Brandon was following in his father's footsteps. He's a member here too. Richard just got a job at the fire department in Jacksonville, but he was still a volunteer here. Brandon's younger brother is a junior member. You know how it is -- the fire service is in your blood."
Funeral Information
Firefighter Billy Williams:
Viewing will be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at Johnson Funeral Home on Hendersen Extension in Jacksonville. Funeral services will begin at noon. Interment will be at Onslow Memorial Gardens.
Firefighter Brandon Whimple
Viewing will be held Tuesday from 6 to 8 pm at the Jones Funeral Home. Funeral servicies will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 28. Interment will be in Inslow Memorial Gardens, Jacksonville.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Whimple's name be sent to N.C. Fallen Firefighters Foundation 2501 Blue Ridge Rd., Suite 150, Raleigh, NC 27607
