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Updated: 9:33 PM Jan 26, 2008
Collinsville VFD Chief Killed in Accident
Clyde Walker was responding to an accident when his truck went off the road and hit a tree Posted: 3:51 PM Jan 26, 2008Reporter: Chris Brennaman Email Address: chris.brennaman@wtok.com |
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7 Comments 
In the early morning hours of Saturday, a call came in that there was an accident on West Lauderdale Road, and as he has done so many times in the more than 20 years as fire chief for the Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department, Clyde Walker said goodbye to his wife and headed in that direction. But this time, Walker never made it to the scene.
According to Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler, Walker's truck hydroplaned on Highway 19 and hit a tree, instantly killing the dedicated firefighter. It is a sad time for not only the fire department, but the entire Collinsville area.
"The community knew that someone was going to respond anytime there was a need out here and any of the surrounding areas," says Craig Hitt, who is a volunteer firefighter in Collinsville. "Clyde Walker was going to respond, and that is one of the things that will so dearly missed in the future. We know someone will respond, but it won't be him in the future. He has always in the past."
Something that made the situation harder on the fire department is that most of the volunteers were on the scene of Walker's accident.
"We had to deal with our family -- one of our own -- (Saturday) morning," Hitt said. "But, I think, being a family will help us work through this and deal with what we have to deal with."
Counselors from Weems Mental Health were in Collinsville all morning helping the volunteer firefighters, which include Walker's two sons. During the session, the firefighters shared stories about their chief and remembered how much he fought for the department, especially when it came to a three-year-long fight to get a new brush truck.
"It was just one of those things that he wasn't going to give up," Hitt said. "He was going to get that truck -- whatever it took. He continued to make phone calls to Washington and Jackson and whoever he thought he could call and make a difference. And it did make a difference. We got the truck here in Collinsville and it has been used many times, even (Saturday) morning."
Clyde Walker leaves behind a wife and three children, several grand children and two great-grandchildren.
Latest Comments
Clyde("Uncle Junior") treated every call as if it were a member of his family. Any time he got a call on his radio, (which was always on and always turned up as loud as it would go) You had better not be in his way. His presence was always known, you knew when he came into a room and you knew when he left. He was a unique individual that I truly enjoyed being around, He would always liven up a conversation and made every family function entertaining. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him.
In 2005,I worked with Clyde on a murder investigation. Clyde stayed with us for two days, while we looked for a murder weapon and was very helpful to us. He was a great example of volunteer service in Lauderdale county. I have a lot of respect for this publice servant. Collinsville and Lauderdale County will truly miss Clyde. It is my prayer that God comfort and bless Clyde's family during this time.
Never knew Mr. Clyde personally, but felt like I knew him. As a Volunteer Firefighter for over 20 years, I've monitored Lauderdale Co., and have always had a respect for Mr. Clyde, as I could tell he was a dedicated and good person. People like him give our Communities a foundation and role model to build on. Our Prayers to the Walker Family.
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