Pineville firefighter killed in line of duty identified
PINEVILLE, N.C. -- North Carolina authorities say a firefighter has been killed and another firefighter injured while battling a commercial blaze just south of Charlotte.
WSOC-TV reports the three-alarm fire broke out about 9 p.m. Saturday at the Countryside Shopping Center just within the town limits of Pineville.
Officials identified the fallen firefighter as 20-year-old Richard Sheltra.
Charlotte Fire Chief Jon Hannan tells WSOC Sheltra and another firefighter were removed from the blaze and transported to a hospital. The other firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
"This is a very sad day for our department, in particular the Pineville community, as we mourn the passing of a friend, a brother and very dedicated volunteer," Pineville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Gerin said.
A memorial service with full fire department honors is currently being planned.
No cause of the fire has been determined.
The Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal plans to investigate.
