DERMOTT, Ark. — An assistant fire chief collapsed and died at a fire scene Wednesday afternoon.
Chief J.B Hutton Jr. had been a firefighter with the Dermott Fire Department since the mid ’60s. In recent years, Chief Hutton’s duties were driving the truck to fires, operating the controls and sharing his experience with younger firefighters, according to the Monticello Olive.
Firefighters were called out to a tree fire that had spread into the woods. As the fire was almost extinguished, Chief Hutton reached down to pick up a hose, and then fell backwards toward a fellow firefighter, according to the report.
Crews immediately performed CPR and called for an ambulance, but he later died at a hospital.
“He died doing what he loved most — fighting fires,” one friend said.
No funeral arrangements have been released at this time. We will keep you updated when more information becomes available.