United States Fire Administration
24 August 2026
EMMITSBURG, Md. — The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has announced the on-duty death of Chief William “Bill” George, 74, on 4 July 2026.
On July 3, 2026, at 7:05 p.m., Chief William “Bill” George was dispatched to an emergency call for trees and wires down after a storm. While on scene, Chief George and his fire department closed the roadway by placing multiple barricades and signage to prevent access to the road until utility companies could respond. Early the following morning, Chief George went back to check on the scene. Then, at 10:58 a.m., Chief George suffered a cardiovascular event at home. Chief George was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Age: 74
Rank: Chief
Classification: Volunteer
Incident date: July 3, 2026 7:05 PM
Date of death: July 4, 2026
Cause of fatal injury: Stress/Overexertion
Nature of fatal injury: Cerebrovascular Accident
Activity type: Scene Safety
Emergency duty: Yes
Duty type: On-Scene Non-Fire
Fixed property use: Outdoor Property
The number of on-duty deaths for 2026 is currently 54.
Go here to read the number of interior line of duty deaths for 2026.
Fatality status is provisional and may change as USFA contacts State Fire Marshals to verify fatality incident information.
For more information about on-duty deaths as recorded by the United States Fire Administration go to “Firefighter Fatalities in the United States.”
Image courtesy of the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company/Facebook.
Data Not Drama 