It is with deep regret that we advise you that Roger Bell, Fire Chief of the Coal City (W. VA) VFD died in the Line of Duty on Tuesday, Nov. 23. Chief Bell collapsed at the fire station at around 2:45 p.m. of an apparent heart attack. Members attempted CPR and he was taken to Raleigh General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Chief Bell temporarily resigned along with the rest of the Coal City FD in May. They cited low membership and internal operational influences for the closure. State Fire Marshall Sterling Lewis intervened to help iron out those issues and placed Bell back in charge of the department less than a week later. Our sincere condolences to all affected.
