FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO, Ohio — The Fayette County community gathered together Saturday to honor and grieve two people who were pillars of their community.
A procession of law enforcement and emergency personnel led from the Grace Community Church to the cemetery for the burials of Concord-Green Fire Chief Ralph Stegbauer and Fire Captain Jeffrey Skaggs. Community members saluted the procession as it made its way through town.
Skaggs and Stegbauer were killed in a 'tragic accident' last Saturday morning.
It happened outside of the Concord-Green Fire Dept. in the village of Staunton. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office said the two were using a mechanical lift to repair the radio tower outside of the firehouse when it tipped over, ejecting them from the tower basket.
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Their fellow firefighters were the fire responders at the scene.
A fire engine carried the caskets of Skaggs and Stegbauer to the burial grounds. Dozens of law enforcement officers and fire officials showed their support to the fire department as well as to the families of Skaggs and Stegbauer.
It is still unclear when the Concord-Green Fire Department will be back in service. For now, calls for service in that area will continue to be handled by surrounding fire agencies in Fayette County.