ROGERS COUNTY, Okla.- Former Inola Fire Chief, 46-year-old, Billie Padgett was found dead inside his home after a roof fell on top of him Saturday morning.
A former fellow firefighters say having to respond to the call was one of the hardest things they've had to do.
"It's a tragedy, very freak tragedy," said Inola Volunteer Firefighter Barney Grigg.
Grigg said former Padgett was a 3rd generation firefighter and an asset to the department.
"He was like a son to me, he's a really nice guy and he worked hard at this department and made it what it is," said Grigg.
Grigg along with other first responders were called to Padgett's residence near East 570 Road and 4230 Road where Padgett lost his life.
"A chimney had slipped through the ceiling and pinned him where he was deceased at the scene," said Grigg.
Rogers County Sheriff officials said Padget was working on home repairs before the roof collapsed. They said his family members were home when it happened.
"He was working on some of the support beams of the structure and part of the structure came down and collapsed on him," said Rogers County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Daniel Welch.
Grigg said although Padgett retired from the fire department to spend time on his ranch and with family, Padgett will always be remembered by his hard work and dedication to the department.
"He spent 20 years down here. Everybody that went out there knew the family," said Grigg.
Deputies say Padgett's body was turned over to the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office.
Padgett's death is being ruled an accident.
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