CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A veteran firefighter in McDowell County has died and a second was injured in response to a fire in the community of Bradshaw Monday evening.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the death during his briefing Tuesday. The West Virginia Fire Marshal has identified the deceased fireman as War VFD Deputy Chief Jeffrey Lawson, 54, from War, W.Va. According to investigators Lawson started to experience a medical episode as the crew was responding to the fire. He told the fireman driving the truck he needed medical attention.
The operator turned the apparatus around and headed toward Welch Community Hospital and met EMS on the way. Lawson was transferred to the ambulance and EMT’s began to administer life saving efforts. Lawson lost consciousness on the day to the hospital and was later pronounced dead after he arrived. His body has now been transported to the state Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy and cause of death.
The second firefighter was identified as Gary M. Coleman, 51 of Jolo, W.Va. He is a member of the Bradshaw Volunteer Fire Department. He collapsed on the scene as a result of smoke inhalation according to the Fire Marshal. Coleman was transported to the hospital and eventually on to CAMC in Charleston. He was treated and released from CAMC overnight.
The Fire Marshal said the structure on fire was Coleman’s home. A cause for the fire is under investigation.
The state Fire Marshal considers Deputy Chief Lawson’s death a “Line of Duty” fatality. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.