Long-time Fire Chief Killed in Accident at his Fire Station

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Posted: 5:16 AM Jul 24, 2008
Last Updated: 8:55 AM Jul 24, 2008

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A fire chief was killed at his fire station when a pickup truck crushed him between a garage door and a water tanker.

Police in the Brown County village say 76-year-old Frank Wichlacz died Wednesday morning when an out-of-control pickup crushed him as firefighters cleaned equipment after returning from a fire.

Police Chief Randal Dunford says a firefighter was moving a GMC pickup that was blocking a bay door, and the pickup accelerated out of control. Wichlacz had been a member of the Tri-County Fire Department since July 1957 and chief since December 1985.

Assistant Fire Chief James Styczynski says his department is in shock and isn't responding to calls for the time being. Any calls will be covered by neighboring departments.

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Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 26, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Having been a firefighter, my sympathy and prayers to the members of this community. in 2005 our department lost our chief and close friend in a kyaking accident. Other departments in the area manned our station until we were able to resume our jobs. I am not familiar with the men and women involved in this tragedy, however firefighters all over the country rally to the aid of fellow firefighters when something like this happens. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Posted by: Sarah Location: Independence on Jul 25, 2008 at 09:12 PM
To the previous poster--heather--have a little sympathy! Those firefighters just lost a dear friend. I think other departments can handle things for the time being!!

Posted by: heather Location: ladysmith on Jul 25, 2008 at 10:36 AM
I think that even though thier chief has died,which is a horrible thing they should still be doing thier jobs which is putting out fires!!!! What if the other firestations are to late and a victom dies? That would be considered to me those fire fighters fault....

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2008 at 07:15 AM
:(

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