GHENT, N.Y. - Authorities say a volunteer firefighter has died after his pickup truck crashed into a utility pole as he responded to an emergency call in a Hudson Valley town.
Columbia County Sheriff David Harrison Jr. says 52-year-old William Akin was headed to the scene of a traffic accident around 9:10 p.m. Tuesday when his pickup slammed into a utility pole on Route 66 in the town of Ghent, 25 miles southeast of Albany.
Harrison says Akin was pronounced dead at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson.
Hope we don't find out he had a heart attack on the way. Remember leaves and water make it much more risky responding this time of year! Condolences to his family and the department.
my thoughts and condoleneces go out to the volunteer fire fighter,s family on his tragic death god bless him and we will lower my australia flag to half mast in his honour
my condolences to the family, friends, and Ghent fire dept. this is very sad. but let us take a lesson from this : yes respond quickly and efficiently, but remember these are not your emergencies. Dont turn it into one. Drive safe, with road conditions in mind.
Thank you for your thoughts and well wishes. Bill was stopped at an intersection when he accelerated and crossed the intersection striking a power pole. Reports show that he may have suffered a medical emergency. Please visit www.columbiapage.com for more information.
In my prayers for tonight..didnt hear about this till today.....or would have prayed all along...be with the family and friends, its so tragic when something like this happens that could have been prevented.