Body of Air Guard member escorted by first responders

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A procession made up of first responders from throughout West Virginia escorted the body of West Virginia Air Guard Senior Airman Logan Young from the state Medical Examiner’s Office in Charleston to Winchester, Virginia Thursday.

The procession headed up Interstate 79 Thursday.

Young, 30, of Martinsburg, died Sunday morning while helping fight a barn fire in Berkeley County as a member of the 167th Airlift Wing firefighting group. He was struck with a beam and died at the scene on Charles Town Road. His body was in Charleston for an autopsy.

West Virginia National Guard Col. Bill Annie said there was an outpouring of those who wanted to help with the escort.

“I can’t say enough good things for the law enforcement and fire department communities. They came together to bring Logan Young home,” Annie said.

Personnel from various police and fire departments escorted the hearse north on Interstate 79 for a few miles each before the procession headed east on Interstate 68 at Morgantown.

“When one engine stops another one comes on. When one police department comes off another one comes on,” Annie described.

Firefighters line overpass over I-81 in Martinsburg. Photo by Annie Scaggs.

The barn fire along with an abandoned house fire just a few miles away in Jefferson County were both set early Sunday morning. An arson investigation continues. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

State Deputy Fire Marshal Jason Baltic said Tuesday the investigative team, which includes state police, sheriff’s deputies and the federal ATF, has already conducted some interviews with more scheduled. They’ve also retrieved video surveillance.

“It’s a very large investigation at this point,” Baltic said during a Tuesday appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.”

A Winchester, Virginia funeral home is in charge of arrangements for Young. Annie expects first responders to continue to play a role in honoring him.

“It’s been an absolute outpouring since this tragedy happened, people calling, emailing wanting to help. People from the firefighter and law enforcement communities,” Annie said.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.





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