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James “Tank” Waters

Fire Chief

On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Chief James “Tank” Waters was assigned to work from his residence due to being quarantined for COVID-19 precautions.  While on official duty, he fell ill and suffered a medical emergency. EMS crews responded and treated Chief Waters to where he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Fatality status is provisional and may change as USFA contacts State Fire Marshals to verify fatality incident information.

Department information

Tryon Fire Department
423 North Trade Street
Tryon, North Carolina 28782

Chief: Assistant Chief Marshall Lipscomb

Age: 40
Rank: Fire Chief
Classification: Career
Incident date: April 7, 2020 12:58
Date of death: April 7, 2020
Cause of death: Other
Nature of death: Heart Attack
Activity type: Other
Emergency duty: No
Duty type: Other On-Duty
Fixed property use: Residential

Last updated: January 04, 2021

Watch America’s Tribute to Fallen Firefighters

Honoring line-of-duty deaths in 2019