Trending Topics

LODD: S.C. deputy chief dies after responding to 2 calls

Moncks Corner Deputy Chief Jimmy Townsend suffered a fatal cardiac event within 24 hours of two emergency calls

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Berkeley County officials report that Jimmy Townsend, deputy chief of the Moncks Corner Rural Fire Department, died in the line of duty on Sept. 28.

The cause of death has not yet been released, according to Central Berkeley Fire & EMS Assistant Chief Colt Roy.

Townsend devoted over 30 years to the fire service, starting with the Moncks Corner Rural Fire Department in November 1990, according to WCSC.

“Throughout his career, he was a steadfast leader, mentor, and friend who stood as a cornerstone of the Berkeley County and South Carolina firefighting community,” Roy said. “His passing leaves a void that can never truly be filled.”

Roy said more information will be released later as memorial service plans are still being finalized.

Trending
New FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore says low EMS pay is hurting recruitment and retention as medical calls make up the majority of the department’s workload
The move followed a Loveland Fire Rescue Authority board meeting where department members and Loveland residents voiced support for the chief
It’s true — at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris, a variety of non-traditional events were showcased, leading to the first (and only!) Olympic recognition for firefighting
The animal-rights group is giving 3rd Lt. Pete Bergamo a Compassionate Firefighter Award after he waded into icy water to save a goose trapped on the Bantam River
Company News
Hexagon’s next-generation platform provides faster, smarter emergency response

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.