'Firefighter's Firefighter' Ken Jones Dies In The Line Of Duty
SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - The Summit Fire and EMS is mourning the loss of one of their own. Ken Jones, a 46-year-old firefighter, died while at the scene of a fire Copper Mountain early Saturday morning.
The 20-year veteran climbed to the roof of the five-story Bridge End condominium to look for a way to access the fire before he fell and died.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are investigating the cause of the fall and the fire itself.
Officials say foul play is not suspected.
Jones normally serves at the Frisco fire station, but was called to Copper Mountain because of the magnitude of the fire call.
"Ken is the first line of duty death we have ever experienced at Summit Fire and EMS. To say the least, we are devastated," said Travis Davis, Deputy Chief of Operations with the Summit Fire and EMS. "This is new territory for us."
Jones is described as having a quiet demeanor and a can-do attitude.
"He was an Oak. He was a very steady presence. He was a calm demeanor, and there isn't anybody in our organization, it doesn't what your rank (is), that didn't learn something from Ken," Davis said.
"He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. He was a firefighter's firefighter," said Summit Fire & EMS Chief Jeff Berino. "He's been a valued member of our family for many years."
We are grieving with some horrible news this morning: Summit Fire & EMS firefighter dies at scene of fire A Summit...
Posted by Summit Fire & EMS on Saturday, December 7, 2019
"We're going to do our best to keep this family that we've created up here over the years in tact during these trying times," Davis said.
Jones leaves behind a wife and two children.
The Summit Foundation, a local nonprofit, has established a fund for Jones' family. You can make checks payable to:
The Summit Foundation in memory of Ken Jones
PO Box 4000
Breckenridge, CO 80424
You can also donate online.