According to the Asheville Fire Department, for the second time in North Carolina history, a firefighter death caused by cancer is being determined by the Industrial Commission as a “line of duty death.” The fire department says this decision means his family will receive a survivor’s benefit. It will also give Willis’ children free college education at public North Carolina universities.
Additionally, the decision means Willis’ name will be added to the state memorial in Raleigh. That ceremony should happen sometime in May.
At his fire station in West Asheville, fire station 6, Willis’ fire department family is still mourning the loss of one of their own. Fire Chief Scott Burnette said the decision by the Industrial Commission was practically unheard of until now.