Local

Community remembers firefighter who died hours after last call

By Liz Foster
By Liz Foster

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Family, friends and firefighters gathered to remember a fallen firefighter Tuesday in Rowan County.

"Words can't describe how hard it is," said Chief Barry Frazier with the Churchland Fire Department.

For more than two decades, Lt. Chris Phillips served his community in more ways than one.

The 41-year-old firefighter died Thursday of an apparent heart attack. His last call was earlier in the day to a fatal car accident.

Phillips was just hired as a lieutenant with Locke Fire Department in July and continued to serve as assistant chief of Churchland Volunteer Fire Department, as he had since 1991.

“(He was) one of the most dedicated members we’ve ever had,” Frazier said.

Dozens of firefighters in fire trucks from all over the area gathered at the Churchland Fire Department, then drove in a processional more than 10 miles to the Catawba College Chapel; where people gathered to honor Phillips.

There were so many trucks they could not all fit in the long driveway. Firefighters stood watch with black bands over their badges.

"We come together as a department, as a community and today we're going to send him off in hero fashion as he should be,” Frazier said.

Phillips is remembered as a man people could depend on and one who could always bring a smile to someone's face. He leaves behind a wife and a 4-year-old daughter.

"His family was first. Serving others was second," said Locke Fire Department Chief Rusty Alexander.

Phillips also worked security at Novant Rowan hospital. He was also a member of North Carolina Firemen's Association and the Davidson County Public Safety Association.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

WSOC

0

Most Read