| Today we remember the line duty death of NBVFD Firefighter Larry Cox. On Saturday, April 4, 1970, the NBVFD was dispatched to a brush fire in the marsh on Friendship Road. 19 year-old Larry boarded the back step of Engine 101 along with several other members and responded on the call. As the pumper descended a hill going into Friendship, the truck passed over a bump, jostling Larry’s helmet from his head. Larry reflexively reached for his helmet, lost his grip on the back step handrails and fell from the pumper, striking his head on the pavement.
The pumper quickly stopped and the crew dismounted to render aid to Larry. They found Larry unconscious and called for an ambulance. Larry was transported to the hospital where he died on Tuesday, April 7, 1970, never regaining consciousness. The marsh fire Larry was responding to was deliberately set but no one was ever arrested or charged.
Department members will gather at Mt. Harmony Methodist Church today at noon for a remembrance service at Larry’s gravesite. |
