January 6th, 2020 – 3:15 PM
Cherokee County (GA) Fire and Emergency Services –
A former Cherokee County firefighter died yesterday morning while battling a fire in Peculiar, Missouri.
Chuck McCormick, who worked for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services from 2014 until 2017, responded to a fire that was reported at 11 o’clock yesterday morning at the 23300 block of Deer Run Road in Peculiar, which is approximately 35 miles south of downtown Kansas City.
The fire apparently started in the laundry room of the home. As firefighters made entry, McCormick fell through the floor near the front door into the basement and was critically injured. Earlier reports indicated that McCormick was unable to exit the home before the roof collapsed. McCormick suffered critical injuries and died later at a hospital.
McCormick came to work for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services on October 27th, 2014 and graduated from firefighter recruit school on January 30th, 2015. He worked out of Fire Station #22, located on Bells Ferry Road, near Bridgemill. McCormick left the department on October 9th, 2017 and was working with West Peculiar Fire Department at the time of his death.
According to Cherokee County Fire Chief, Tim Prather, “I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Mr. McCormick. He came to work with us in October of 2014. He had successfully completed our recruit training and had advanced up to Fire Apparatus Operator up until the time he resigned from Cherokee Fire in 2017 moving to Missouri. I understand that Mr. McCormick was very respected by fellow firefighters and had established personal relationships with Cherokee Fire personnel that continued up until his passing. Part of that continued relationship brought Mr. McCormick back here a few months ago to be part of a wedding ceremony for one of our firefighters whom he previously worked with. In honor of his contribution and sacrifice to the fire service, Cherokee Fire personnel are authorized and will wear the traditional mourning badge in honor of the loss of our brother, Mr. Charles “Chuck” McCormick. We send our condolences out to the family of Mr. McCormick.”
A “Go Fund Me” account has been set up to assist the family during this difficult time.
If you would like to make a donation, please go to this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fallen-firefighter-mccormick-fam…
McCormick, who was 30, leaves behind a wife, Rachel, and three children.
