[Kentucky EMS Connection]

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April 9, 1999

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S T A T E   N E W S

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News Index | The Kentucky EMS Connection Main Index

Firefighter 'Line of Duty' deaths
Rowan County, Kentucky

Press Release

MOREHEAD — Two (2) firefighters were killed in the line of duty, Tuesday, April 6th at approximately 5 PM near the community of Cranston in rural Rowan County during wildland firefighting operations along Island Fork Road. Both were members of the Route 377 Volunteer Fire Department.

Killed were 6 year veteran Kenneth Allen Nickell, age 28, and Kevin Rex Smith, age 30, a firefighter since 1998.

Firefighter Nickell, a native of Rowan County, is survived by his wife, Annette Workman Nickell and a daughter at home, Kenna Anne Nickell; his parents, David A. and Ilene Nickell; a brother, David S. Nickell; a sister, Starla Marie Nickell; and two grandparents, Robert J. Nickell and Velma R. Coffey.

Firefighter Smith, a native of Napoleon, Ohio, is survived by his wife, April Lynn Prater Smith and two children at home; a son, Kevin Tyler Smith and a daughter, Taylor LeShae Smith; his mother, Betty V. Smith; and a brother, David L. Smith.

Arrangements are at the Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead. (606) 748-6491.

Full Firefighters Honors will be observed for both firefighters.

Joint visitation for both firefighters will be at the funeral home, just off I-64 on Thursday, April 8th at 6 PM for family and from 7 PM-10 PM for all friends. Visitation will continue Friday, April 9th from 8 am-9 PM at the funeral home.

Joint funeral services will be conducted at the Rowan County Senior High School on Saturday, April 10th at 1:00 PM. The High School is located on Route 32, 1-1/2 miles north of I-64 in Morehead.

For additional details contact:

  • Chief Dowe Blevins
    Route 337 Volunteer Fire Department
    606-784-3952
  • Chief Dale Adkins
    Morehead Fire Department
    606-783-1138
  • Duane Suttles or Ronnie Day
    State Fire Rescue Training
    606-783-1138 or 784-3952.
  • Friends may also contact the funeral home at 606-784-6491.

Graveside services for Kenneth Nickell will be held at the Clark Cemetery on Cranston Road (KY 377) in Cranston.

Graveside services for Kevin Smith will be held at the Caudill Cemetery on Cranston Road (KY 377) in Sharkey.

Memorial contributions may go to the Kenneth Allen Nickell fund or the Kevin Rex Smith fund at the Route 377 Volunteer Fire Department, 7405 Cranston Road, Morehead, KY 40351.

Staging of visiting apparatus

Apparatus will be staged as necessary by personnel at the high school starting at 10 am.

Directions to the high school:

  • FROM I-64 WEST (Lexington, Louisville) take Exit 137 At end of ramp, turn left.
  • FROM I-64 EAST (Ashland, Grayson) take Exit 137 At end of ramp, turn right.
  • Proceed through traffic lights- Two if coming from the West, One if coming from the East- to the first caution light intersection. BP station on left. State Highway garage on right. Turn left at caution lights onto Viking Drive. Proceed to the top of the hill. Apparatus will be staged from that point.

All apparatus and/or command type vehicles welcome and appreciated to participate.

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