Firefighter dies during line of work
A firefighter was fatally wounded Monday night after falling from an icy overpass by a vehicle in Dallas.
The incident occurred in Southwest Dallas, when 40-year-old William Tanksly, a 14-year firefighter veteran, died on duty from his injury, leaving behind a wife and three kids.
According to information, Tanksly was working at an accident scene on the intersection of Interstate 20 and Spur 408. He tumbled and fell down the pavement below. Reports say that Tanskly may have been hit by a vehicle when he fell.
Emergency vehicles were called in and had a difficult time reaching where Tanksly had fallen due to icy conditions and slow traffic. Helicopter ambulance were not an option due to unfavorable weather conditions.
"As always, the department is going to wrap our arms around his family, and our own fire department family," said Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Louie Bright. Chief Bright said that Tanksley was doing his job as they do every day.
Tanksley was taken by an ambulance to the Dallas Methodist Medical Center for treatment. He was pronounced dead upon arrival.
"We have a resilient group of men and women that work for us, and we are going to pull together, and get through this incident, and keep moving forward," said Chief Bright.
Source: WFAA "Dallas firefighter dies in fall from icy overpass". Rebecca Lopez and Tanya Eiserer, February 10, 2014