Retired first responder’s life taken by fire
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MICHIE, Tenn. — The flag flew at half staff Tuesday in front of Michie Volunteer Fire and Rescue Dept. Keylon Whitaker served more than two decades at the department before retiring a few years ago. “We have some fires, but we don’t have a lot of structure fires, and I don’t think we have had a fire death in Michie in memory, so maybe never for us,” Michie Fire Chief Shirley Clark said. The tragic end to that stretch ended early Tuesday morning, with the death of one of their own. The fire at the home claimed the firefighter’s life. The cause is being investigated, but Chief Clark said currently they’re ruling the fire as accidental. Known as ‘Keylo’ by many of his friends, fellow firefighters that served with Whitaker said he was a great man. “He was just a good friend of mine, and I’m going to miss him very much,” Mike Smith said. Chief Clark said Whitaker was always there when he was needed. “He was one of those that you didn’t see in the spotlight. He never had a title or a rank, but he was there, consistent. He did what he could, always had a great attitude, and he was loved and accepted,” Clark explained. Friends said the retired volunteer firefighter was also a veteran that served several tours in Vietnam. Shackelford Funeral Home in Adamsville is handling arrangements.
