WHITTINGTON, Richard L.

It was raining on that terrible day in October when we lost two young firefighters as they responded to what was later determined to be a false alarm. As Engine 251 rounded the bend of Rosaryville Road, the rain-slicked pavement caused the pumper to lose traction and roll over. Eight members of the crew were injured and six recovered. Tragically, Firefighter Richard Whittington and Firefighter James Herbert did not survive their injuries. Their loss is still keenly felt everyday. Richard Whittington joined the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department in February of 1966, an accomplishment that he longed for since he was a young child. "Ritchie" lived across from the firehouse on Woodyard Road and spent the majority of his free time volunteering for the community and the department he loved so dearly . Firefighter Richard Lee Whittington was 22 years old and had served 5 years and 8 months.

narrative paraphrased from Clinton VFD 's Fallen Heroes Tribute which can be found on their webpage www.clintonvfd.org/com/members/FallenFireFighters.cfm