Feds join investigation of firefighter’s death at Peculiar house fire
Officials continued Monday to investigate the death of a West Peculiar firefighter who was killed the day before when he fell through a floor while battling a house fire.
The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s office investigated the blaze that killed 30-year-old Charles “Chuck” McCormick, who died when he fell through the floor of the home in the 23300 block of Deer Run Road in Peculiar, about 35 miles south of Kansas City.
McCormick, of Raymore, joined the fire department just about a month ago, officials said. Before that, he had worked with the South Metropolitan Fire Protection District and in Belton. McCormick, a native of Georgia, was the father of three sons ages 5, 6 and 9.
A verified GoFundMe account has been created to raise money for his family, the crowdfunding platform said. In a photograph for the fundraiser, McCormick can be seen smiling with his family and holding one of his sons sitting on his shoulders.
“Chucky will be remembered by his amazing personality and contagious positive attitude,” the organizer wrote. “He always had a smile on his face no matter the circumstances.”
As of noon Monday, more than 260 people had donated about $17,600.
The fire that killed McCormick reportedly began in the home’s laundry room. Before firefighters arrived, a family, including a grandmother and her grandchildren, were able to get out of the house.
McCormick was critically injured when he fell through the floor. He later died at a hospital, Grandview Fire Chief Ron Graham said.
Missouri State Fire Marshal’s office asked for assistance with the investigation from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives because they “wanted another set of eyes” to figure out what happened and to make sure they agreed on their findings, according to John Ham, a spokesperson for the federal agency.
Nothing indicates the fire was deliberately set, Ham said.
Fire departments across the country and Missouri politicians continued to offer their condolences to McCormick’s loved ones.
“Firefighter Chuck McCormick made the ultimate sacrifice yesterday while battling a house fire,” Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri wrote on Twitter. “We are grateful for all firefighters who run toward danger when the bell rings.”
