NASH COUNTY - Nash County Emergency Management has confirmed that Salem Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter Greg Cooke, Unit Number 18-6, the Secretary of the SVFD, has passed away at Wake Medical Center.

Firefighter Cooke was operating at a woods fire several days ago. He apparently suffered a cardiac arrest on scene.

He was eventually transported by air to Wake Medical Center in Raleigh where he died Saturday, March 21nd.

Salem Volunteer Fire Department
4559 Swift Creek School Rd
Whitakers, NC 27891
(252) 937-0553

Fire Chief: Paul Powell

ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Gregory Carroll Cooke, age 60, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2009.

He was born in Nash County, January 30, 1949 to the late Ivey Willis Cooke, Sr. and Maybelle Bunch Cooke. His wife, Glenda Cooke and brother, Ivey Willis Cooke, Jr. preceded him in death. He was a twelve year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a twenty year veteran of Salem Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by a daughter, Susan Horton and husband, John of Creedmoor and grandchildren, John Cameron and Connor Jackson Horton.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2009 at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Rev. Allen Williams and Rev. Marc Sanders officiating.

The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 P.M. Wednesday evening at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount.

Flowers are accepted or memorial donations may be made to Salem Volunteer Fire Department, 4559 Swift Creek School Road, Whitakers, NC 27891 or to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive; Greenville, NC 27834.

On-line condolences to the Cooke family may be made to http://www.wheelerandwoodlief.com.

Please note: the Family has requested NO Fire Apparatus with the exception of Engine 18 at services. All firefighters are urged to attend in uniform.

Primary Agency: Salem Volunteer Fire Department