William Scott Tanksley - Firefighter - Texas

Firefighter William Scott Tanksley, age 40, died in the line of duty on February 10, 2014, at a bridge overpass in southwest Dallas.

He was a member of the Dallas Fire Rescue Department. He had 14 years of service.

He went by the name of Scott.

Scott was working at the scene of an auto accident which occurred on a bridge in Southwest Dallas. He was setting road flares to warn motorists of the accident when he was struck by a passing vehicle. He fell off the bridge to the ground below.

His comrades tried to resuscitate him en route to the hospital, but upon arrival he was pronounced deceased.

Icy road conditions and undue speed by the driver of the vehicle may have been contributing factors in this accident.

The Dallas Fire Rescue Department is in mourning over the death of their brother.

Before he became a firefighter, Scott had been a baseball player. He had pitched in the

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for
Scott and for those who have
lost him

Minnesota Twins farm system. The Twins drafted him in the 1995 amateur draft out of Mississippi State University. University officials stated that Scott was one of the best relief pitchers in their history and was top ranked in numerous baseball statistics categories. He had also been an honor student during his time at the University.

He liked to hunt for deer and ducks with his Dad.

Friends describe Scott as a hard worker and a fine man. He was helpful to others. He was a family man and spent time with his wife and kids.

Scott is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his parents; and his wife and three children.

Thank you for your service to the public, Scott.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next.

Pray that Scott is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.