The Winchester community is in mourning following the death of firefighter Rick Sanders, who passed away after battling a residential fire in Randolph County. Yesterday, the Winchester Fire Department received a call about a fire near Watson and Brown Streets, as reported by WTHR. Fire departments from White River, Lynn, and Farmland joined in the effort, where Sanders was part of an "aggressive offensive attack" on the rapidly growing blaze.
Sanders, 48, began feeling unwell during his response and left the burning structure, where he was then tended to by medics. Shortly after being moved to an ambulance, he experienced a cardiac arrest and was subsequently pronounced deceased at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Randolph County, as confirmed by the Winchester Fire Department. The department has honored his memory, stating, “Rick, from your brothers at WFD, we love you, we will miss you, and we thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice for us and for the community around you,” in a solemn tribute on FOX59.
Survived by his wife, four children, and four grandchildren – with another grandchild expected – Sanders's commitment to his community has been highlighted by the local fire departments, which convened at the hospital to pay their respects. According to a statement obtained by WRTV, "Firefighter Rick Sanders served his community faithfully and diligently for the majority of his adult life. His sacrifice for his community will never be forgotten." The Randolph County Coroner's office, represented by Darin James, has scheduled an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Winchester Fire Department and Randolph County HSEM request that the public keeps Sanders's immediate and work family, the on-scene responders, and the 911 dispatchers in their thoughts. "We ask that you lift up the firefighter’s immediate and work family, the on-scene responders, the 911 dispatchers at the mic, and his friends," the HSEM expressed in a Facebook post relayed by FOX59.
