Incident Name:
Date: 1/28/2014, 1700 hrs
Personnel: Ricky Lee Winkles, Sr
Age: 53
Agency/Organization: Trumann Fire Department, Trumann, AR
Position: fire chief
Summary: Chief Winkles suffered a heart attack while working at the scene of an accidental grass fire that spread to and destroyed a nearby residence. Winkles was treated by fellow responders at the scene then transported to St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where he passed away.
Photo credits: Family photo; Tioga Fire Protection and Fire Prevention memorial logo; 2009 interview with kait8.com
Incident Location: Hatchie Coon Road, AR (USNG: 15S YV 26 46)
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Reports, Documentation, Lessons Learned
- USFA Memorial Database: Rick Winkles
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Wildlandfire.com Links:
- Trumann fire chief dead after heart attack while working fire1/28/2014 | Online Article
Rick Winkles, who has been fire chief for several years in Trumann, suffered a massive heart attack while fighting a fire Tuesday afternoon, according to Lt. Revis Kemper with the Trumann Fire Department. Winkles died around 6 p.m. at the hospital. According to Trumann Police Chief Chad Henson, Winkles suffered a heart attack while on call at Hatche Coon Road… More at the link…
- Funeral services announced for fallen fire chief1/31/2014 | Online Article
TRUMANN, AR (KAIT)-Funeral and visitation services are now complete for Trumann Fire Chief Rick Winkles who died from a massive heart attack after fighting a fire.
On Tuesday night the Trumann Fire Department was paged to a grass fire that quickly turned into a full structure fire. Winkles suffered a massive heart attack while fighting the fire and was taken to the hospital where he later died… More at the link…
- Obituary:Chief Ricky Lee Winkles, Sr., of Trumann, Ark., died Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark., at the age of 53 years, 11 months and 23 days. He was born Friday, February 5, 1960 in Jonesboro, Ark., and had lived his lifetime in Trumann. He was the fire chief for the City of Trumann Fire Department, a reserve deputy for Poinsett County Sherriff’s Department, veteran of the Army National Guard, a Master Mason and was a member of McCormick Baptist Church. Chief Winkles was preceded in death by one sister, Patricia A. Whitsett and his grandparents.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Bonnie Holt Winkles of the home, two sons, Ricky (Misty Barnes) Winkles, Jr., and Jeremy (Lauren) Winkles of Trumann; four grandchildren, Dixie Winkles, Reed Morgan, Shawn Winkles and Kain Winkles; parents, Carl and Shirley Winkles of Trumann; two sisters, Carolyn (Doug) Qualls of Trumann and Sherri (Randy) Tribble of Jonesboro, one brother, Randy (Lori) Winkles of Tucson, AZ and his father and mother in law, Frank “Bud” and Joyce Hamby of Trumann.
- Services:Visitation — Friday evening (1/31/14) from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1301 Hwy 69 West in Trumann, AR. Service — Saturday morning (2/1/14) at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church in Trumann with Rev. Jim Frazier officiating. Burial will follow in Marked Tree Cemetery in Marked Tree, AR.
- From Arkansas Governor Mike BeebeFriday, Jan 31, 2014
Arkansas State Flag at Half Staff for Trumann Fire Chief Rick Winkles
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:
WHEREAS: A dedicated and courageous firefighter, Trumann Fire Chief Rick Winkles, born in Trumann, Arkansas, on February 5, 1960, was deeply loved by his family and many friends, and tragically died in the line of duty on January 28, 2014, suffering a massive heart attack while battling a house fire that destroyed a residence in Trumann; and
WHEREAS: Chief Winkles was the beloved son of Carl and Shirley Winkles of Trumann; the devoted brother of Randy Winkles of Tucson, Arizona, Carolyn Qualls of Trumann, and Sherri Tribble of Jonesboro; the loving husband of Bonnie Holt Winkles of Trumann; the proud father of Ricky Winkles, Jr. and Jeremy Winkles; and the devoted grandfather of four; as well as a cherished friend to scores of people from across the community and region; and
WHEREAS: Winkles became a volunteer firefighter in 1986, and joined the department full-time in 1988, distinguishing himself quickly and being promoted to the rank of Chief in 2004; and
WHEREAS: As a 28-year veteran firefighter, Chief Winkles was dedicated and passionate about his work, helping to train others, and serving as an example to his fellow firefighters. Always the consummate professional and a dedicated public servant, Rick was proud of the vital role he played in protecting others through his work in providing for the safety of all of our citizens; and
WHEREAS: Rick was a loyal friend to those who served with him, an active participant in his community, who participated on various committees and supported youth sports programs, coaching the junior and senior baseball leagues; and
WHEREAS: Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, firefighters and police officers are no longer taken for granted. They are on the front lines every day performing a service that is critical to the well-being of our citizens, and we are aware of their efforts and are grateful for their service and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS: All Arkansas citizens owe Fire Chief Winkles a lasting debt of gratitude for his bravery and his heroism as we pay tribute to his faithful service and extend deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MIKE BEEBE, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by law, in tribute to the memory of Rick Winkles and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that State flag of Arkansas be flown at half-staff on Saturday, February 1, 2014.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 30th day of January, in the year of our Lord 2014.
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