Frederick County Fire & Rescue Department

Line Of Duty Death - February 13, 2012
Zachary Whitacre

It is with deep regret we report the passing of Zachary Whitacre, a volunteer firefighter with the Gore Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

On February 13, 2012, at approximately 03:21, crews from the Gore, Gainesboro, and Reynolds Store Fire Departments responded to a reported structure fire in Hampshire County, West Virginia. During the incident, Tanker 14 of the Gore Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was involved in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Route 50 west of Timber Ridge Road in West Virginia.

As a result of the crash, the two personnel on the apparatus were injured. Donald A. Whitacre, Jr, the driver/operator of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries which resulted in him being treated and released from Winchester Medical Center. Volunteer Firefighter Zachary Whitacre sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Winchester Medical Center where ultimately he succumbed to his injuries.

This incident is under investigation by the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Fire Marshal's Office, and the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Department.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Whitacre family as well as to the volunteers of Gore Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

Memorial contributions may be made to
Gore Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
P.O. Box 146, Gore Virginia 22637

Funeral arrangements are now available for viewing.

Departments who are attending the funeral procession on Saturday are asked to submit information, including number of personnel attending via this link.