‘Chain reaction of things’ leads to firefighter death in McDowell County; fellow firefighter charged

MCDOWELL COUNTY, W.Va. — Iaeger Elementary School in McDowell County was the host site for a firefighter’s funeral on Friday.

Planning to be in the crowd was Iaeger Mayor Joe Ford.

“It’s a sad situation. It’s one of them things that you would never hope would happen, but it has,” Mayor Ford told MetroNews.

Russell Roberson

Russell Roberson, 42, a Grapevine resident and member of the Iaeger Volunteer Fire Department, was remembered during the memorial service following his death Sunday from reported smoke inhalation sustained while trying to keep someone out of burning home.

His funeral came a day after one of his fellow members of the Iaeger Volunteer Fire Department was charged with one count of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree arson in connection with fires allegedly set on June 20 and June 21.

Investigators said Robert Lee Beckner, 36, of Iaeger, confessed to setting his home on fire on Saturday using notebook paper and lighter fluid.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze and started an investigation but were called back out for a reported rekindling around 2:41 a.m. Sunday.

At that time, emergency officials said the fire had spread to buildings near Beckner’s home, including a mobile home.

Roberson was part of the response.

Mayor Ford said Roberson was trying to keep another man from going back into the mobile home when he became ill. He died en route to Welch Community Hospital for treatment.

Robert Beckner

“It was chain reaction of things that took place,” Ford said.

He has known Roberson, Beckner and their families for years.

“I’m sure Robbie, he didn’t expect to do that but, when things like that happen, you never know what occurs and what occurred was the death of one of his friends and fellow firemen.”

Roberson had been part of the Iaeger Volunteer Department for 15 years, according to his obituary.

“Russell was probably there more than anyone at nights on call. He loved what he did,” Mayor Ford said.

Beckner, who was arraigned Thursday, was being held Friday in the Southwestern Regional Jail.

Other members of the Iaeger Volunteer Fire Department served as pallbearers for Roberson who was to be buried at Vance Hollow near Iaeger.





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