Rick Winkles - Firefighter - Arkansas

Fire Chief Rick Winkles, age 53, died in the line of duty on January 28, 2014, at the hospital in Trumann, Arkansas.

Rick was a member of the Trumann Fire Department.  He had 28 years of service.

Rick was working at the scene of an accidental grass fire that had spread to a nearby residence. The house burned down.  Rick had a heart attack during the firefighting.  He was treated by fellow responders at the scene and then transported to the hospital where he passed away.

Rick started as a volunteer in 1986 and joined the department full time on April 1, 1988.  

He made his way up through the ranks and was appointed Fire Chief in 2004. 

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for Rick

Rick had worked with the youth sports program in Trumann, coached for the junior and senior baseball leagues and worked on various City committees.  

Rick was planning on retiring in a few months. 

The Fire Department and the City of Trumann are in mourning over the death of Rick.

Rick is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members.

Thank you for your service to the public, Rick.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. 

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