Trending Topics

Ky. firefighter dies after crash while responding to call

The Taylor County firefighter suffered a pulmonary embolism five days after being injured in a crash

FR1 Affiliate images (12).jpg

Firefighter Charlie Shaw.

Supporting Heroes/Facebook

TAYLOR COUNTY, Ky. — A veteran Taylor County firefighter died days after being injured in a crash while responding to a call.

Taylor County Fire Department Firefighter Charlie Shaw was involved in a crash on April 15 while responding to another accident. Shaw, 78, sustained only minor injuries and returned home, where he later collapsed. He died on April 20, WKYT reported.

According to Supporting Heroes, an autopsy revealed that Shaw developed a blood clot as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The clot led to a pulmonary embolism, becoming lodged in an artery in his lungs and blocking blood flow to part of the lung.

Shaw dedicated nearly six decades to the Taylor County Fire Department, beginning his service as a volunteer firefighter in 1965 and becoming a career firefighter in 1970. Over the years, he also served as the Campbellsville-Taylor County Rescue chief and worked as an area coordinator for the state’s fire rescue training program.

Trending
Firefighters, dispatchers and other first responders are speaking more openly about PTSD, burnout and stigma as more agencies expand mental health programs
Manchester fire officials marked the end of an era as the city’s last Gamewell master box transmitted its final alarm, closing the chapter on a telegraph-based system dating back to 1872
Lake Valley Fire Engineer Neil Schnaible died after suffering an on-duty medical emergency, but his decision to be an organ donor is expected to help save lives across the country
More than half of the Danielson Fire Department stepped down after borough officials opened the fire chief search to outside candidates

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.