Firefighter, 21, killed in Capon Bridge

Posted by Kevin Spradlin Review Staff Front Page News Monday, February 13th, 2012

CAPON BRIDGE — Authorities have identified a 21-year-old volunteer firefighter from Gore, Va., who was killed early Monday morning while responding to a report of a fire in eastern Hampshire County.

Zachary Whitacre, of the Gore Volunteer Fire Company, was riding as a passenger on the rear of a 1986 Ford fire tanker being operated by his father, Donald Whitacre. The tanker was headed to Capon Bridge for water when it hit an icy spot, causing the vehicle to slide and impact an embankment.

Zachary Whitacre was ejected and died as a result of his injuries. Donald Whitacre was taken to Winchester Medical Center for treatment of non-lifethreatening injuries.

A Frederick County emergency dispatcher told the Hampshire Review that officials are preparing a statement on the incident. The Hampshire County 911 center reported a vehicle accident along U.S. Route 50 and Timber Ridge Road.

A person who answered the phone at the Capon Bridge Volunteer Fire Department said the station would not be making an official statement. The unit’s Facebook page, however, showed the logo of the Gore Volunteer Fire Department with a single, solid band of black through the middle — indicating a fallen firefighter.

West Virginia State Police is investigating the incident.