Firefighter-medic ejected, killed in fire truck crash
David Raymond Chew died Monday as passenger in fire truck that ran off road, crashed into trees
By EMS1 Staff
Duty Death: David Raymond Chew - [Bloxom, Virginia]
End of Service: 07/16/2012
BLOXOM, Va. — Community leaders in Va. have spoken of their sadness at the death of a firefighter who was ejected in a fire truck crash Monday.
Firefighter David Raymond Chew Jr., of the Bloxom Volunteer Fire Company and a full-time medic for Northampton County EMS, was thrown from the vehicle when it rolled over.
Firefighter James Richard Lambirth lost control of the vehicle while in a curve and ran off the road, with the truck striking several trees.
Firefighter Chew was a United Methodist lay pastor, and reported that responding to emergency calls was as much a part of his ministry as preaching, according to DelmarvaNow.
"Part of his call to serve Jesus Christ was always to serve other people, so part of his ministry — to him — was to be with people in times of dire trouble, whether it be on an ambulance call or on a fire call or to just be with his fellow firefighters," said the Rev. Tammy Estep, district superintendent of the Eastern Shore District of the United Methodist Church, told the newspaper.
Firefighter Chew, a third-generation firefighter, leaves a wife and a 3-year-old son.
Anne Rasmussen Thursday, July 19, 2012 8:06:53 PM My thoughts & prayers go out to both his immediate and work families. RIP David Chew Jr. 
Lisa Kissel-Jones Friday, July 20, 2012 7:50:26 AM How was he ejected from the truck? Unless he wasn't wearing his seat belt. Very sad, but being a firefighter paramedic, he should have known better not to lessen the devastation of this tragedy!
Michael O'Connor Sunday, July 22, 2012 5:31:22 PM Lisa, believe it or not, some firetruck do not have seat belts, and those that do often do not fit when you have your turnout gear on.
Michael O'Connor Sunday, July 22, 2012 5:29:05 PM Firefighter, Medic, Eagle Scout, Paster and the most important job - Father. R.I.P. David, you will be missed. 
Jesse Chapman Sunday, July 22, 2012 5:43:25 PM Praying for the family of David Chew, Paramedic/Firefighter from Bloxom, VA. Rest in eternal peace my friend. Prayers to his wife and 3 year old son and the entire family. May God comfort you in your time of need. 
Max Milutinovich Monday, July 23, 2012 7:08:16 AM My thoughts and prayers go out to the family on the loss of David. 
Sandra Arnold Tuesday, July 24, 2012 3:25:39 AM Your fire department brothers and sisters are praying for your families. Lisa Kissel-Jones Monday, July 30, 2012 6:38:22 PM Look , I was not intending any disrespect towards a fallen brother. But if the problem was that the belt did not fit around the turnout gear, then changes need to be made structurally to correct this problem. I am just saying that we all have to worry about our personal safety, I would never ever, intentionally disrepect a man who died in the performance of his duties, but that doesn't lessen the pain of his grieving family. I read my comments and I apologize for anyone I hurt or angered. This man and family deserves respect and praise. 
