WAR, W.Va. — A War Volunteer Fire Department deputy chief died while responding to a structure fire involving a firefighter’s home in McDowell County.
On Feb. 17, the Bradshaw Volunteer Fire Department, Raysal Volunteer Fire Department and War Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a structure fire in the Jolo area of McDowell County, WVNS reported.
While en route to the fire, War Deputy Chief Jeffrey Lawson told the driver that he was not feeling well and needed medical attention. The driver turned the apparatus around and headed toward Welch Community Hospital.
On the way, Lawson was transferred to an EMS unit. WVVA reported he became unconscious during transport and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
During the fire, Bradshaw Firefighter Gary M. Coleman collapsed due to breathing difficulties and smoke inhalation. The structure fire was at Coleman’s house. He was transported to a landing zone in Iaeger, where he was airlifted to Charleston Area Medical Center General Division in Charleston.
Coleman was treated and released overnight.
Deputy Chief Lawson was transported to the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. His death has been classified as a line-of-duty death by the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office.
