A longtime Carbon County firefighter serving as fire chief died Saturday morning after suffering a medical episode just hours after responding to emergency calls, authorities said.

William “Bill” George, 74, of Aquashicola, who served as chief of the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company and was a firefighter for over 50 years, was pronounced dead Saturday at St. Luke’s Hospital-Carbon. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday at the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensic Center to determine his exact cause and manner of death.

Representatives of the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Co. confirmed to lehighvalleylive.com on Monday that George was doing what he normally did just hours before his death — helping others.

George was one of several emergency responders at the scenes of multiple overnight calls related to severe thunderstorms that struck the region.

In his tenure, George served the Aquashicola fire company for nearly 55 years. He became fire chief in 2004 and was president prior to that for over 20 years.

“He was deeply committed to keeping his community and its people safe,” his Legacy.com obituary states.

The department announced the loss of George on Saturday on its Facebook page.

“For decades, Chief George dedicated his life to the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company, serving our department and the Lower Towamensing community with unwavering commitment, steady leadership, and a servant’s heart,” the posting states. “His countless hours of volunteer services, mentorship, and dedication helped shape the department we are today.”

“We mourn the loss along with his family. We ask our members, neighboring departments, and our community to keep Bill’s family, friends, and our fire company in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Rest easy, Chief. We’ll take it from here,” the posting added.

George additionally was the longtime owner and operator of George’s Plumbing and Heating, his family’s business in Aquashicola for more than a century. George himself ran it for 52 years.

He also was a member of the Palmerton Lighting Committee and a board member for First Northern Bank and Trust in Palmerton, the obituary says.

WFMZ-69 News reported a procession was held Saturday to honor George as his body was transported to the Lehigh County Forensic Center, as volunteers displayed American flags along the route.

“This loss brings deep sorrow to our office,” Carbon County Coroner Mark K. Smith said in a statement. “Every day, our investigators rely upon the professionalism, dedication, and partnership of our local fire departments, emergency medical services, and law enforcement agencies. Without their unwavering support, we could not effectively fulfill our mission.”

“Chief George exemplified that spirit of service throughout his career and was always willing to assist others in their time of need,” Smith added.

George is survived by his wife, Jane, two daughters and sons-in-law and three grandsons.

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