Taylor County- and first responders throughout the commonwealth are mourning the death of a man who spent nearly 60 years as a firefighter and first responder. The Taylor County coroner said 78-year-old Charlie Shaw died Sunday from a pulmonary embolism connected to injuries suffered days earlier. Taylor County Fire Chief Howard Dobson said Shaw’s vehicle was t-boned while he was responding to a vehicle accident.
“At the time, he just had a few little minor cuts. He didn't feel it was serious enough to go to hospital or anything like that. It was a kind of a low-speed accident. It wasn't anything high speed, but he did get bruised up quite a bit.”
Shaw was the Campbellsville-Taylor County Rescue chief before retiring. Asked why Shaw kept working as a volunteer firefighter, Dobson said he loved his work.
“I've worked under him, and I was an instructor under him in the state training program, and just been involved with him. He was a unique person. He ran a tight ship, so to speak. He wanted things done right. But he was a good guy.”
Dobson said Shaw volunteered to help the community in many other ways, too.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
