This morning, a Denison firefighter lost his life while trying to protect others.
The firefighter was killed while fighting a fire at Wilbanks Air Conditioning and Appliance store.
Witnesses say the fire had flames that shot over one hundred feet into the sky. Officials say the entire building was quickly engulfed in flames, and Denison firefighter Phillip Townsend was killed.
The Denison Fire Department got the call around 8:45 Saturday morning and were on the scene within minutes. Townsend became trapped underneath an awning while trying to put out the flames. Although his fellow firefighters were able to rescue him from underneath the rubble, Townsend did not survive.
Denison Fire Chief, Gordon Weger was also injured during the fire as he too was trapped underneath the awning.
KTEN spoke with Chief Weger about Phillip Townsend, this afternoon.
"He enjoyed his job, he was proud to be a firefighter. Always had a smile on his face. Any task you asked him to do, no question..he did it. He's gonna be surely missed. The family, our hearts go out to them. We're certainly going to try to work with them and try to help them over this also.
Both Sherman and Pottosboro Fire Departments were called in to assist in the blaze, along with some off duty Denison firefighters. Chief Weger told me that despite the loss, his firefighters are keeping their morale high but says most are still in a state of shock.
Phillip Townsend was 31 years old and had three young children. His dad is currently a firefighter with the Denison Fire Department. Officials are still uncertain what started the fire.
The firefighter was killed while fighting a fire at Wilbanks Air Conditioning and Appliance store.
Witnesses say the fire had flames that shot over one hundred feet into the sky. Officials say the entire building was quickly engulfed in flames, and Denison firefighter Phillip Townsend was killed.
The Denison Fire Department got the call around 8:45 Saturday morning and were on the scene within minutes. Townsend became trapped underneath an awning while trying to put out the flames. Although his fellow firefighters were able to rescue him from underneath the rubble, Townsend did not survive.
Denison Fire Chief, Gordon Weger was also injured during the fire as he too was trapped underneath the awning.
KTEN spoke with Chief Weger about Phillip Townsend, this afternoon.
"He enjoyed his job, he was proud to be a firefighter. Always had a smile on his face. Any task you asked him to do, no question..he did it. He's gonna be surely missed. The family, our hearts go out to them. We're certainly going to try to work with them and try to help them over this also.
Both Sherman and Pottosboro Fire Departments were called in to assist in the blaze, along with some off duty Denison firefighters. Chief Weger told me that despite the loss, his firefighters are keeping their morale high but says most are still in a state of shock.
Phillip Townsend was 31 years old and had three young children. His dad is currently a firefighter with the Denison Fire Department. Officials are still uncertain what started the fire.
Comment