The Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department regrets to announce the line of duty death of Firefighter Horace C. (“Chris”) Pendergrass. Firefighter Pendergrass, a 20+ year veteran of the department and a US Army veteran, assigned to Fire Station 41 on B-Shift, apparently died in his sleep and was discovered this morning by his coworkers after shift change. He was 49 years old and he is survived by his father, sister, and 3 adult children. Next of kin have been notified and funeral arrangements will be announced as they are formalized. The cause of death is under investigation.
Firefighter Horace "Chris" Pendergrass
Firefighter Pendergrass honorably served the citizens and visitors of Fairfax County consistent with the highest traditions of the fire service. He will be deeply missed.
Horace was also known as “Teddy” to his brother and sister firefighters.
Updated with message from IAFF Local 2068:
The leadership of Local 2068 regrets to announce the death of active Firefighter Horace (Chris) Pendergrass of Fire Station 41, B-shift. Brother Pendergrass was found deceased after shift change at Fire Station 41 this morning. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and co-workers of Brother Pendergrass.
At this time, all needs are being met and appropriate representatives from Local 2068, the FRD and FiRST are at Fire Station 41 and will make any requests for assistance known. Family and his family at 41 appreciate the outpouring of support and are requesting no calls at this time.
Links:
- Fairfax IAFF Local 2068 (FairfaxFirefighters.org)
- FF Pendergrass Memorial Page
- Sign the guestbook for FF Pendergrass
- Fairfax County Fire & Rescue
- STATter911.com coverage
More information and arrangements will be updated when it comes in
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So hard to believe,I just spent the past week with him in EMT refresher at the academy.We talked and laughed about the times at Co 08 (Annandale)when we worked there together and about tillering Truck 8.Chris was a great guy to work with.Not only has the Fairfax County Fire Department lost a great firefighter,those of us who knew,worked with or around Chris lost a great friend! Rest In Peace Chris! you will be missed!
we will miss coming to work seeing your smile and sharing great stories from our days on the highway. You were a true friend and will be truly missed. It saddens me to see you gone so soon. You talked about retirement and the next adventures in your life and listenng To you brought many smiles to our faces I know for sure we will meet again someday and you will watch over us in the mean time I will miss your big hugs. RIP my friend Teddy.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department as they grieve this tragic loss. Be well, brothers and sisters.
To all of my Brother and Sister of Local 2068,
My family and would like to extend our hearts and prayers to all of you and Brother Pendergarsse’s family. Stay strong and look out for each other in these difficult time. Stay Safe !
Chris Ruwe, Local 3915 Colerain Twp. Dept of Fire /EMS
Cincinnati, Ohio