WARREN COUNTY – At 19:05 hours on Tuesday, December 6, the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a rescue call for an unknown type incident.
Responding units were advised by Dispatch that a subject was cutting a tree, then the tree fell on him.
Ridgeway units 1006 and 1003 arrived to find 74-year-old firefighter Charlie G. Dortch pinned under a tree limb.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Firefighter Dortch was a charter member of the department, joining in 1976 until his death. He was an active member and will be greatly missed.
For additional information, contact Captain Chris Tucker at 252-213-4450.
PRIMARY AGENCY: Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department
INCIDENT TYPE: Technical Rescue
888-620-3473 Toll Free
To the family ,and fellow firefighters of Ridgeway Fire Dept.My deepest sympathy go out to Dortch family .Mr Charlie and i rode horses for over 14 yrs together ,he was a great friend and mentor to me .My prayers are with you all at this time. Jeff Neal (RFD)
God has chosen another wonderful angel to come on home to glory. Mr. Charlie was the best. Me and my family had over 25 years of horse trailriding with Mr. Charlie. He was such a positive and encouraging man in every aspect. His smile was infectious and he loved people. We had many, many happy trails! We will continue to pray for strength and comfort for the family. We will miss you Mr. Charlie; rest in peace and save a seat for me. -Wille Brown, Janice Brown, Candace Brown and the whole Brown family.