Firefighter with passion for outdoors dies doing what he loved, NC officials say
A North Carolina firefighter with a passion for the outdoors died doing what he loved, officials said.
As a newer firefighter, Joseph Orr took on challenges and was “eager to learn,” according to Clarks Chapel Fire-Rescue in Franklin.
“He quickly went from our ‘new guy’ to an honored and treasured member of our department family,” Chief Trae Perry told WSPA.
But Orr’s life was cut short after a “tragic accident” on Saturday, July 23, the department said. Officials shared few details in a Facebook post but said the firefighter died “while enjoying the great outdoors that he loved.”
First responders told WSPA and WLOS that the off-duty incident happened at a recreation area in Macon County, roughly 75 miles southwest of the mountain town of Asheville.
After the loss, dozens of people shared their condolences on the fire department’s Facebook page.
“Joseph was relatively new to the fire service but the dedication and passion he showed to community service far surpassed his time in the service,” Clarks Chapel Fire-Rescue wrote on social media.
The fire department didn’t immediately share additional information with McClatchy News on July 25.
This story was originally published July 25, 2022 at 10:02 AM with the headline "Firefighter with passion for outdoors dies doing what he loved, NC officials say."
