By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – A solemn procession of Central Illinois fire and rescue vehicles escorted the body of an area firefighter for an autopsy at the McLean County Coroner’s office in Bloomington.
Charles McCone, 46, was killed about 10 a.m. Tuesday on eastbound Interstate 74, between Mahomet and Mansfield. McCone’s van reportedly hit the back of a semi-truck that slowed for traffic. He was not on duty at the time.
McCone apparently was not wearing a seatbelt, while the semi driver was wearing hers.
McCone was a captain for the Pesotum Fire Protection District. He was with the department eight years, according to its Facebook page.
The Northern Piatt Fire Protection District, which responded to the crash scene, said it was among eight agencies that escorted McCone’s body to Bloomington for the autopsy.
The Pesotum department said McCone was a great example to others because of his passion for firefighting and medical training.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at howard.packowitz@cumulus.com
