Volunteer Firefighter and Paramedic Killed in Off-Duty Accident
Tragedy struck the Stanly County community on Tuesday morning when Lt. William Oxendine, a dedicated volunteer firefighter and paramedic, lost his life in a fatal accident. Oxendine, a 20-year veteran of the emergency services, was struck by a logging truck while driving to work on U.S. Highway 52 near the Marathon convenience store.
According to Norwood Police Chief James Wilson, the accident occurred at 7:01 a.m., and the department is actively investigating the crash. Wilson described Oxendine as a “great guy,” saying, “This is just such a loss for Norwood and the Stanly County community.”
Oxendine served as a paramedic and field training officer with Stanly County Emergency Services and was an active volunteer firefighter with the Central Rural Volunteer Fire Department. His dedication and service earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues and the community.
Multiple agencies responded to the accident, including Stanly County EMS, Center Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Southside Volunteer Fire Department, Norwood Police Department, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The community is coming together to support Oxendine’s family and colleagues during this difficult time.
