EAGLE ROCK, Va. –
Botetourt County is mourning the death of a volunteer firefighter after he was killed while serving on the job Friday. And right now there is still a tremendous amount of emotion.
County officials says Roger Johns was an outstanding member of the community.
The 63-year-old was a lifetime member of the Eagle Rock Fire Department.
Since the tragic accident Friday, according to the Botetourt County administrator, the flags in the county were ordered to be at half-staff by the governor.
The county has provided grief counselors for as long as needed for those grieving over his death. The county says they're receiving calls from all over the East Coast in support of the fire department and the family of Roger Johns.
"It has been amazing. The professionalism of the community. The professionalism of the fire service and rescue squad and they have really moved forward strong and be able to continue the work that they do in such a positive manner. We expect a lot of people to show up for the visitation and the memorial service later this week," said Gary Larrowe, Botetourt County administrator.
Johns was serving as a grounds guide when a fire department vehicle backed into him while he was responding to a single vehicle crash on Route 220 and Catawba Creek Road.
The visitation service for Johns is Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Buchanan Funeral Home. The funeral is Thursday at 2 p.m. at James River High School.