Biographical Info

Age: 44

Additional Info: Long had gone out to do some wind sprints between the station and Hickory Grove Baptist Church when a passerby noticed him in the grass.

Cause of Death: Long died Friday night while performing his regular exercise routine at his W.T. Harris station.

Date of Incident: December 1, 2006

Man served Charlotte for 17 years, dies while exercising at station

By Franco Ordonez
Charlotte Observer
Copyright 2006 Charlotte Observer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Flags at fire stations throughout Charlotte will fly at half-staff today and Monday in honor of a firefighter who died while at work after 17 years of service to the city.

Kent Long, 44, of Indian Trail died Friday night while performing his regular exercise routine at his W.T. Harris station, fire officials said.

Charlotte Fire Chief Luther Fincher Jr. said Long had gone out to do some wind sprints between the station and Hickory Grove Baptist Church when a passerby noticed him in the grass.

"He was a fine, outstanding young man, very religious and very dedicated to his family," Fincher said.

Long did not have a pulse when firefighters and a medic crew tried to resuscitate him, Fincher said. Long was rushed to Carolinas Medical Center, where continued efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

He died just before 6 p.m. The cause was unclear. An autopsy was performed Saturday, and fire officials expected preliminary results to be released this week.

About 40 to 50 firefighters from around the city converged on Long's station, Station 23, Friday night to pay their respects. Many brought food. Some brought cots for anyone who wanted to spend the night.

Colleagues described Long as someone you couldn't help but like: He was quiet but confident. He was a family man who loved his church and college basketball. Every summer, he played first base and some outfield on a summer league baseball team; sometimes he joined two teams.

"He was real easygoing," firefighter Brad Duncan said.

Long is survived by his wife, Regina Skeens Long; his children, Lance, Callie and Gage; in-laws Ray and Elaine Skeens of Indian Trail; and brother-in-law Kelly Skeens of San Antonio.

Friends will be received at Hickory Grove Baptist Church at 9:30 a.m. Monday, with a funeral service at 11:30 a.m.