Gary BaggettDalton Fire Department officials report that recently retired Deputy Chief Gary Baggett was killed in a motorcycle crash Saturday night, April 4, 2015. Baggett retired from the Dalton Fire Department on Feb. 6 after 30 years of service to the City of Dalton.
The crash happened at 7:15 p.m. at the intersection of Cleveland Highway and Westbrook Road. Preliminary information indicates that Baggett was traveling southbound on Cleveland Highway riding a motorcycle when a white Toyota Tundra pickup truck traveling northbound in the turn lane attempted to turn left onto Westbrook Road in front of Baggett’s motorcycle. Baggett’s motorcycle struck the truck. The crash was initially investigated by deputies from the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office and is still being investigated by the Georgia State Patrol’s specialized reconstruction team. Baggett was transported to Hamilton Medical Center where he was pronounced dead shortly after 8 p.m.
Deputy Chief Baggett started his career with the Dalton Fire Department on October 10, 1985. He rose through the ranks, serving as a Battalion Chief beginning in 2007 and then rising to the rank of Deputy Chief two years later in October 2009. His qualifications and areas of expertise as a firefighter were extensive and in addition to the leadership and service he provided to the fire service in Dalton, he also provided leadership to firefighters statewide as an active instructor and organizer in the Georgia Smoke Divers program. Before joining the Dalton Fire Department, Chief Baggett served four years in the US Air Force where he also served as a firefighter.
The Dalton Fire Department is asking the community to keep Chief Baggett’s family in their thoughts and prayers and to please respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.