By Leila Merrill
FireRescue1/EMS1
BRADY, Texas — Brady Fire/EMS Engineer-EMT William “Bill” Fore died last Thursday, the city of Brady announced Friday on Facebook.
He died by suicide while on duty, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Fellow firefighters noticed that Fore missed roll-call at 7:45 a.m. They discovered him severely injured at the station. He was immediately transported to an area hospital.
Because he was an organ donor, Fore’s body was transported to San Antonio. A procession escorting his remains home to Brady occurred on Tuesday.
Fore is survived by his wife and children, the Concho Valley Homepage reported.
He served as fire chief for Reagan County Fire and EMS from 2017 through 2019.
The Reagan department expressed its sorrow in a Facebook post, describing Fore as “a smiling face with a big personality that will never be replaced.”
The Brady department has expressed its gratitude for the community’s support on social media.
An online fundraiser for Fore’s family has raised more than $10,000.
Suicide is always preventable. If you are having thoughts of suicide or feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline immediately at 988. Counselors are also available to chat at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Remember: You deserve to be supported, and it is never too late to seek help. Speak with someone today.