ALBRIGHT, W. Va.–A veteran Preston County firefighter was killed while responding to a fire Sunday.
Albright VFD member Charles “Chuck” Miller was responding to a brush fire in his personal vehicle, Albright VFD Chief Owen Evans said.
“When he pulled out onto North Preston Highway (Route 26) there’s a real sharp turn, he went around the turn and never straightened back out,” Evans said. “So, we’re not sure what happened he just went around in a circle and his car went into a big ditch.”
Evans said Miller, 62, had been with the department for 29 years.
“The rest of the guys went to work and got the fire out and did what they had to do,” Evans said. “They seem to be coping pretty good, but I’m not going to lie to you it’s pretty difficult.”
Miller became a “go to” guy for many needs of the department, according to Evans. He had a background in truck driving and helped with maintenance and transporting other department equipment for service and repair. Miller also played a role in mentoring younger firefighters.
“He’s a current captain of our volunteer fire department here. He has served as chief in the past, served as captain, lieutenant, chief engineer a few times over the years, has 29 years service and a heart the size of Texas,” Evans said.
Evans said Miller enjoyed being a part of the department.
“He was definitely one of those people that loved what he was doing and would apologize when he thought he wasn’t doing enough,” he said.
Delegate Buck Jennings, R-Preston, asked for a moment of silence during Monday’s floor session at the state capitol.
“I trained with him numerous times and it’s going to be a loss to our community,” Jennings said.