BRYAN, Texas (KBTX.com) – Few new details were released, but emotion was plainly evident at a Sunday morning press conference in Bryan regarding Friday night’s fire that left two firefighters dead and two injured.
FRM/FFN:
Two Texas Firefighters Killed, Two Others Injured
Injured Texas Firefighters in Stable Condition
Bryan Fire Chief Randy McGregor, flanked by city leaders and other fire officials, thanked the community and other agencies for their support as they continue to search for answers at the old Knights of Columbus Hall on Groesbeck Drive south of downtown.
Investigators with the state fire marshals office remain in town, and their probe into the fire could last six months, according to Chief McGregor.
Two lieutenants, Eric Wallace and Greg Pickard, died from injuries suffered as they fought the fire. McGregor called it the worst tragedy in the history of the Bryan Fire Department.
“Every day we deal with challenges. That’s the nature of our work; some more difficult than others. Without a doubt, this is the most difficult situation our organization has ever faced since we began in 1971,” said Fire Chief McGregor.
While the chief said Sunday they believe they have a good idea of the cause, he said he would not say for sure what happened late Friday. Reportedly, a portion of the roof of the old building collapsed around the time Lt. Wallace, 36, had started calling for assistance because he was low on [air].
Lt. Pickard, Firefighter Ricky Mantey and Probationary Firefighter Mitch Moran had entered the building to help Wallace. The three had to be taken to the University of Texas Medical Branch burn unit in Galveston from St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan.
Pickard, 54, died Saturday afternoon. Mantey, 30, and Moran, 21, remain in stable condition, according to McGregor Sunday morning. He would not elaborate on the extent of their injuries.
Wallace had spent nearly 13 years with BFD with a wife and five kids. Pickard was a 32-year veteran, and was married with two children — including a College Station firefighter — and three grandchildren.
A vigil for the fallen and injured firefighters is set for 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Merrill Green Stadium at Bryan High School.
Wallace’s funeral is set for Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Bryan. Visitation will be held in Marlin. Arrangements for Pickard are pending.
