The Virginian-Pilot
CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A 16-year veteran Chesapeake firefighter died Wednesday afternoon in an accident while cleaning a chimney for a part-time job.
Police and city officials on Thursday identified him as Lt. William Rary, 46, of the 2500 block of Malden Ave. in Norfolk.
About 2 p.m. Wednesday, police were called to the 500 block of Glenwood Dr. in Chesapeake. Rary, who had been cleaning a chimney, was found lying unconscious on the ground at the base of a ladder, according to a police news release.
He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Division Chief S.J. Gulisano said in a news release that Rary was hired by the Chesapeake Fire Department on April 1, 2000. He was promoted to lieutenant on Sept. 16, 2012.
He held a part-time, off-duty job as a chimney sweep, Gulisano wrote.
“During his 16 years as a member of our Department, Bill earned respect from both his peers and his supervisors as the consummate Firefighter and Company Officer,” he wrote.
The response by Chesapeake firefighters to Rary’s accident was heroic and professional, Gulisano wrote. Rary leaves behind two children, the news release said.
Copyright 2016 The Virginian-Pilot
All Rights Reserved