Firefighter Jacob Tyler McClanahan

Volunteer Firefighter McClanahan stopped to offer assistance at what he believed to be a motor vehicle accident. (Actually, a vehicle had been driven off the roadway and partially into a ditch as it ran out of gas.)

Firefighter McClanahan identified himself as a firefighter and asked if assistance was needed. A police officer who had arrived just before Firefighter McClanahan replied that everyone was 'okay' but asked Firefighter McClanahan to remain on the scene. (Sensing the possibility of trouble, the officer had called for backup, but it had not yet arrived.)

The motorist questioned whether Firefighter McClanahan was really a firefighter. After being questioned multiple times and responding affirmatively, Firefighter McClanahan displayed his credentials to the motorist.

A short time later, the suspect reached into his vehicle, removed a shotgun, and opened fire on the officer and firefighter. Firefighter McClanahan received fatal wounds and died at the scene. The officer returned fire and struck and killed the suspect.