LODD: N.C. fire chief dies of apparent heart attack after feeling ill during training

By Leila Merrill
FireRescue1/EMS1

OAK CITY, N.C. — Oak City Volunteer Fire Department Chief Minton “Butch” Beach, 68, died on March 22, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

On March 13, Beach had attended training at the fire station. He began to feel unwell during training and went home. Sometime later, fire department members checked on him, and he was still feeling bad.

Beach was transported to a hospital, where he stayed until he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

WITN reported that Beach had been an active member of the fire department since he was 18.

Earlier in his career, Beach had served as director of emergency services for Edgecombe County.

“He was not only our colleague but also our friend,” the agency posted on Facebook.