close
close

Killbuck mourns the tragic death of the fire chief in a motorcycle accident in South Dakota

The tragic death of Scott Kashuba, Chief of the Killbuck Community Fire and Emergency Services, dealt a severe blow to the community of Killbuck on Monday.

Kashuba was killed in a traffic accident while on a cross-country motorcycle tour in South Dakota.

“If everyone in the village embraced even an ounce of Scott’s love for the community and his desire to make a difference, our community could be incredible,” said Lisa Kauffman, chair of the Killbuck Village Council.

Scott Kashuba was a highly respected member of the Killbuck community. The fire chief of Killbuck Township Fire & EMS died Monday in a traffic accident while on vacation in South Dakota.Scott Kashuba was a highly respected member of the Killbuck community. The fire chief of Killbuck Township Fire & EMS died Monday in a traffic accident while on vacation in South Dakota.

Scott Kashuba was a highly respected member of the Killbuck community. The fire chief of Killbuck Township Fire & EMS died Monday in a traffic accident while on vacation in South Dakota.

Kashuba dedicated 22 years to the Killbuck Township community. He served as a volunteer firefighter, Level 1 and 2 firefighter, EMT and then AEMT. He also served as a fire inspector and instructor.

Scott Kashuba, fire chief of the town of Killbuck, was killed in a traffic accident in South Dakota while on a cross-country motorcycle tour.Scott Kashuba, fire chief of the town of Killbuck, was killed in a traffic accident in South Dakota while on a cross-country motorcycle tour.

Scott Kashuba, fire chief of the town of Killbuck, was killed in a traffic accident in South Dakota while on a cross-country motorcycle tour.

“What happened is a tragedy,” said Killbuck Mayor Rick Allison. “It's one of those unexpected things that they have to go through. Our prayers and support go out to his family and the fire department.”

“He was very passionate about the fire department and the Boy Scouts,” the mayor added.

Committed to the community

Kashuba re-established Killbuck Boy Scout Troop 315 and served as Scoutmaster for many years, guiding and encouraging many young men to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.

“He was so committed to the community,” Kauffman said. “Recognizing that the community needed the young people to have something positive in their lives, and taking that role and turning it into something positive was a tremendous thing for the community and the youth.”

Erica Ash of the Killbuck Community Improvement Corporation, which is leading the Early American Days celebration over Labor Day weekend, said they plan to hold a moment of silence in honor of Kashuba during activities on Sunday, Sept. 1.

The flag flies at half-staff in front of the Killbuck Township Fire Department in Killbuck in memory of the late Fire Chief Scott Kashuba, who died in an accident Monday while on vacation in South Dakota.The flag flies at half-staff in front of the Killbuck Township Fire Department in Killbuck in memory of the late Fire Chief Scott Kashuba, who died in an accident Monday while on vacation in South Dakota.

The flag flies at half-staff in front of the Killbuck Township Fire Department in Killbuck in memory of the late Fire Chief Scott Kashuba, who died in an accident Monday while on vacation in South Dakota.

She noted that some of the events the fire department had planned for the weekend have been canceled, but the fire department will still participate in the parade.

“He did so much for us. He cared deeply about Killbuck,” Ash said. “He organized our gun raffle that will be held on Sunday, and he helped us find an electrician to do the things we needed. The kids' activities that the fire department was going to do on Sunday were also canceled.”

A passionate firefighter

He was passionate about his job and wanted to share his love of firefighting with others, according to a Facebook post announcing the accident.

“Scott served as a squad captain until 2017 when he became fire chief,” the post said. “During his time as chief, Scott was instrumental in making the KTFD a combined department that can staff during the day when there is a shortage of volunteers. This loss is immeasurable and the community will certainly suffer a loss as a result.”

The KTFD also thanked his family for all the missed birthdays, holidays and dinners so he could accept the call for others.

“Thank you, boss. There will never be another like you, sir,” the post continued. “Don't worry, we have the watch from here.”

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Expo Building at Harvest Ridge, 8880 State Route 39, Millersburg. Pastor Dave Clemens will officiate. Burial will be in Killbuck Cemetery, where military honors will be provided by the Killbuck VFW and Millersburg American Legion. Friends may call at Harvest Ridge on Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m.

This article originally appeared in the Daily Record: Friends and neighbors mourn Killbuck Fire Chief Scott Kashuba

You may also like...