Emergency personnel and first responders in the region are in mourning following the passing of one of it longest-tenured fire chiefs.

William “Bill” George, who served as fire chief and president of the Aquashicola Fire Department, died on Saturday at St. Luke’s Carbon Campus. He was 74.

A procession left St. Luke’s Carbon campus at 5:30 p.m. to escort him to the Lehigh County Forensic Center.

Carbon County Coroner Mark Smith released a statement late Saturday.

“It is with profound sadness that the Carbon County Coroner’s Office announces the passing of Chief William George, who faithfully served for many years as Fire Chief of the Aquashicola Fire Department,” Smith said.

He said George was pronounced deceased Saturday in the Emergency Department at St. Luke’s Hospital — Carbon Campus. An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday, at the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensic Center to assist in determining the cause and manner of death.

“This loss brings deep sorrow to our office,” Smith said. “Every day, our investigators rely upon the professionalism, dedication, and partnership of our local fire departments, emergency medical services, and law enforcement agencies. Without their unwavering support, we could not effectively fulfill our mission. Chief George exemplified that spirit of service throughout his career and was always willing to assist others in their time of need.”

Smith said the coroner’s office extends “our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the George family, the members of the Aquashicola Fire Department, and the entire firefighting community as they mourn the loss of a respected chief, colleague, mentor, and friend. His commitment to public service and to the citizens of Carbon County will not be forgotten.”

George was the longtime owner of George’s Plumbing and Heating in Aquashicola, and a community supporter.

Aquashicola Fire Department member Rory Koons has known George for over 50 years.

“Bill’s passing will leave a void in many people’s lives; especially the friendship that he and I had and anytime there’s a relationship over 50 years is difficult to deal with. But nevertheless, it’s a reminder of how life is precious, and what’s important is the friendships that we develop in that time frame.”

Koons noted that over the years, “Bill and I established a terrific relationship. While we didn’t always agree, we still respected one another and each other’s decision and viewpoint.

“What I found amazing was the outpouring of the fire service community as we escorted his body to the Lehigh County Medical Examiner’s Facility, and the outpouring that the fire service continues to show and exemplify is really a strong brotherhood even at this time when a lack of volunteers is imminent, but the showing and respect they had for their respective fireman was overwhelming.”

Fire departments share sentiments

The Aquashicola Fire Department made the announcement of George’s passing over the weekend.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our Fire Chief and longtime President, William “Bill” George,” the fire company posted.

“For decades, Chief George dedicated his life to the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company, serving our department and the Lower Towamensing community with unwavering commitment, steady leadership, and a servant’s heart. His countless hours of volunteer services, mentorship, and dedication helped shape the department we are today,” the company posted.

Palmerton Borough Fire Chief Jason Behler said learning of George’s passing was “shocking.”

“I’ve been in the fire service pretty much my whole life, on the official side of it 35 years,” Behler said. “For as long as I’ve been here, there’s always been people like Bill and Rory (Koons) and (the late Gary) “Lumpy” (Koons) from Aquashicola that have always mentored me and gave me the ability to learn from them.”

Behler noted that since he became Palmerton Borough fire chief nine years ago, “Billy offered a lot of insight as far as what to expect, what to do, things like that. It’s things like that will be hugely missed by many in this area.”

“Palmerton and Aquashicola, while I was growing up always had a close-knit relationship; we drilled together, did things together, (there was) always a sharing of knowledge and experience. Having Bill gone is going to be a huge loss for the next generation of firefighters; just a big void for the next up-and-coming generations that will have to learn without having his knowledge available or just us continuing forward and not having his leadership and mentorship available as well.”

Messages of sympathy have been posted from other area fire companies.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure working with you and learning from you Bill,” Polk Township Fire Chief Billy Tippett posted on Facebook.

Penn Forest Fire Company No. 2 shared the sentiment. “Chief George’s dedication and service to his community will never be forgotten,” the company posted.

Diamond Fire Company of Walnutport sent this message. “It is with profound sadness that the officers and members of the Diamond Fire Company extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to our brothers and sisters of the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company, as well as to the family and friends of Fire Chief William ‘Bill’ George, following his Line of Duty Death.

“Chief George devoted decades of selfless service, unwavering leadership, and dedication to the citizens of Lower Towamensing Township and the fire service. His commitment to protecting others and mentoring generations of firefighters has left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.

“The fire service is a close-knit family, and the loss of one of our own is felt throughout our entire brotherhood and sisterhood. During this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the members of the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company and all those mourning the loss of Chief George.”

Community tributes pour in

The Palmerton Holiday Lighting Committee posted on Facebook, “The Holiday Lighting Committee lost a wonderful volunteer and friend in Billy. His behind the scenes work was key to the trees in the Park. Carriage rides and putting trees up in a snowstorm will never be the same. We will miss him.”

Papa Al’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria in Palmerton posted “our hearts are incredibly heavy.”

“Like so many in our community, we are deeply saddened by the passing of William ‘Bill’ George. He wasn’t just a familiar face — he was the kind of man who made Palmerton a better place simply by being part of it. Honest, genuine, compassionate, and always willing to help others, George was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back without expecting anything in return.

Papa Al’s noted in its post that George played a very special role in their story.

“Thirteen years ago, when we were just starting out with nothing more than a food truck, we dreamed of bringing our family’s recipes to the Palmerton community. We knocked on doors, shared our vision, and searched for a place to park. While many said no, George didn’t.

“Instead, he took the time to talk with us. He listened to our dreams, believed in what we were trying to build, and without hesitation welcomed us onto his property. That simple act of kindness changed the course of our lives.”

Papa Al’s noted, “From that food truck came our restaurant, countless memories, lifelong friendships, and the privilege of serving this amazing community every single day. We often reflect on those early days, and George’s faith in us will always be one of the reasons our journey became possible.

“We will forever be grateful for his encouragement, his advice, and most importantly, the confidence he placed in a young family chasing a dream.

“To Jane, Jackie, Nicole, Danny, Chris, Brady, Ben, Matt, Aquashicola Fire Department, George’s P & H, and your entire family, please know that you are in our thoughts, our prayers, and our hearts. We hope you find comfort in knowing just how many lives George touched and how deeply he was loved and respected by this community.

“Thank you, George, for believing in us. Your kindness created a ripple effect that will continue for generations. We will never forget you, and your legacy will forever be a part of Papa Al’s story.

“Every time we sip on a cup of coffee, we will think of you. Rest peacefully, our friend.”

Marta Gouger contributed to this report.