News

CCFR Responds to Semi Crash Over Bridge on Hwy 641 South in Calloway County

July 12th, 2025

On the morning of July 12th, 2025 at approximately 4:30am Calloway County 911 Communications Center dispatched CCFR out to the intersection of Hwy 641 South & KY 2547 (old 641 South) for a vehicle accident with injuries. Dispatch advised responding units that a vehicle had went off the bridge at that location. Upon arrival of our first unit, he found the vehicle to be a box truck semi that had exited the right side of the roadway close to the bridge before overturning over the side of the bridge. The driver of the vehicle was already out of the truck upon arrival of CCFR & Calloway County Sheriff’s Office. Murray-Calloway County EMS transported the driver of the truck to the Murray-Calloway County Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Calloway County Office of Emergency Management called for additional state resources to respond to the accident scene to assist with environmental cleanup of the site. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - District 1 had reconfigured this section of the four lane roadway turning it into a two-lane roadway in the southbound lanes until the work has been completed. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet had the barricades removed and traffic flow back to normal by 6:30pm.

CCFR responded with 2 trucks & four personnel and were on scene for approximately four & a half hours. Environmental cleanup crews were on scene for most of the day. CCFR was assisted on scene by Calloway County Sheriff's Office, Calloway County Emergency Management, Calloway County Health Department, KYTC-District 1 and Paul's Towing.

Body of Missing Boater Recovered from Kentucky Lake

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 15, 2025

Re: Body of Missing Boater Recovered from Kentucky Lake

Calloway County, KY — At approximately 8:00 AM this morning, multiple local and state agencies resumed search & recovery operations on Kentucky Lake in an effort to locate a missing boater who was reported to have fallen overboard on the morning of June 14th.

At around 2:00 PM today, the Calloway County 911 Communications Center received a call from a fisherman on a boat near the opening of Blood River. The caller reported seeing what he believed to be a body in the water. Emergency responders from Calloway County Fire-Rescue (CCFR), along with resources from the Marshall County Rescue Squad & McCracken County Rescue Squad, immediately responded in boats to the area to investigate & secure the area.

Upon arrival, responders confirmed the discovery of the body of 51-year-old Steve Simpkins. His remains were recovered from the water & transported to shore, where he was released to the care of Calloway County Coroner Ricky Garland. Our department extends our heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones of Mr. Simpkins. While this is not the outcome any of us hoped for, we are grateful to have been able to bring some measure of closure to his family.

Calloway County Fire-Rescue wishes to thank the many agencies and individuals who assisted in this two-day search operation. Agencies involved include:

• Calloway County 911 Communications Center
• Marshall County Rescue Squad
• McCracken County Rescue Squad
• Graves County Fire-Rescue
• Calloway County Emergency Management
• McCracken County Emergency Management
• Graves County Emergency Management
• Marshall County Emergency Management
• Kentucky Emergency Management – Area 1
• Calloway County Sheriff’s Office
• Murray-Calloway County EMS
• Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Calloway County Coroner

This successful search & recovery effort is a testament to the strength of our local partnerships and the dedication of all our emergency personnel. We are fortunate to serve a community where so many are willing to respond without hesitation when the call for help comes.

Department Contact:
Lt. Taylor Black, Public Relations Officer
Calloway County Fire Rescue
P: (270) 978 - 9378
E: taylor.black@callowayfire.org

CCFR Responds to Rollover Vehicle Accident

June 14th, 2025

Today at approximately 1:00pm, while our department is still actively conducting a search & rescue on the lake, we also were dispatched to the area of Hwy 80 West and Cook Store Trail intersection for a report of a rollover vehicle accident. Upon arrival of our personnel, two occupants were assisted out of the vehicle without the use of hydraulic tools. Upon investigation, we believe the driver went off the roadway, overcorrected which caused it to roll over once and skid across the roadway on its side before striking a guardrail and rolling again. Both occupants were transported by ambulance to the Murray-Calloway County Hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.

Thanks to all our members for being available to respond ensuring our department is able to respond to other calls for service even while conducting a large search & rescue mission.

CCFR's Nomination for the Murray Lion's Club 'Firefight of the Year' Award

May 13th, 2025

Tonight the Murray Lion’s Club awarded some of our local first responders who were nominated by their respective agencies. CCFR Chief Tommy Morgan nominated Firefighter Adam Wofford for Firefighter of the Year in recognition of his exemplary service & dedication. Below is a part of the commendation letter from Chief Morgan talking about why he chose Firefighter Wofford for this prestigious award from our department.

“As a firefighter with Calloway County Fire-Rescue, Firefighter Wofford has demonstrated outstanding bravery & skill in numerous situations, but his actions on a recent incident stood out as a testament to his unwavering commitment to saving lives. On that day, Firefighter Wofford arrived at the scene of a serious multi-vehicle accident involving a motorcycle. The situation was critical, with the motorcyclist suffering from a life-threatening injury that required immediate attention. In the midst of chaos & urgency, Firefighter Wofford swiftly assessed the situation & applied a tourniquet to the injured rider's limb. His quick thinking & proficient application of the tourniquet effectively stopped the severe bleeding, stabilizing the victim until emergency medical services arrived. The life-saving actions of Firefighter Wofford were instrumental in preserving the motorcyclist's life. His ability to remain calm under pressure & provide essential medical intervention exemplifies the highest standards of our profession. It is without a doubt that his prompt & decisive actions deserve recognition & commendation. Firefighter Wofford has consistently shown a dedication to excellence in his role, embodying the core values of our department & our motto: “Dedicated To Help Other”. His heroic actions show his unwavering commitment serving and protecting our community.”

We are proud of Firefighter Wofford & all he has done, and continues to do, for our department & to serve our county. Please help us congratulate him on receiving this award. Pictured below is Firefighter Adam Wofford (left) with Deputy Chief Zachary Stewart with his award.