LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A longtime firefighter in Kentucky died from injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Charles Shaw, 78, served as the rescue chief at Campbellsville-Taylor County Rescue Chief. He died at his home Sunday after suffering minor injuries five days prior when he was involved in a motor vehicle crash while responding to another crash. According to Supporting Heroes, an autopsy revealed that Shaw died from a pulmonary embolism that resulted from a clot caused by injuries sustained in the crash.
Shaw was a member of the fire service for more than 59 years. He became a volunteer firefighter in 1965. He served many years as the Campbellsville-Taylor County Rescue Chief and retired from that position, according to Supporting Heroes.
Charles Shaw prepares for a presentation to firefighters during a training session. (Photo courtesy of Zoneton Fire Department)
Rich Carlson, spokesperson for the Zoneton Fire Department, said Shaw would lead multi-media presentation at many events, including the Kentucky State Fire School.
"Charlie wore many public safety hats. State Fire Rescue Training Coordinator, Taylor County Rescue Chief and Special Events Coordinator for the Kentucky Fire Commission and Kentucky Firefighters Association," Carlson said. "If a firefighter or rescue person died pretty much anywhere in Kentucky, Charlie would be there to ensure appropriate honors were paid. He was the 'keeper' of the KFA trailer with all things necessary, right down to stuff to polish brass and things."
Shaw also served many years as an area coordinator for Kentucky State's Fire Rescue Training until his retirement in 2013. He continued to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter until his death.
Shaw was escorted home Tuesday by companies from Bullitt, Jefferson and Hardin counties fire departments. Firefighters, their trucks and flags lined overpasses to honor the procession that traveled from Louisville to Campbellsville along Interstate 65.
"Our hearts are with Taylor County Fire Department and Campbellsville Fire Department," Shepherdsville Fire Department posted. "Thank you to everyone who gave a moment to honor him."
Shaw's visitation will be on Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 12-3 p.m. at Parrott & Ramsey Funeral Home, 418 Lebanon Ave. in Campbellsville. His funeral will follow at 3 p.m. with burial after at the Old Bethel Cemetery.
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