The fire service is mourning the loss of Billy Leach Jr., who brought vehicle rescue training on big rigs to a whole new level.
Leach reportedly passed away while staying in an Oklahoma hotel where he was teaching a "Big Rig Rescue" program.
"It is with great sadness that we may now report that Squad Member and Special Team Member Billy Leach Jr. has passed away," the Madison-Rockingham Rescue Squad posted on their Facebook page. "Please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers."
Leach, who lived in Asheboro, NC, joined the fire and rescue service in 1976.
He was a familiar face at training conferences across the country, including Firehouse Expo where he taught thousands of firefighters how to mitigate incidents involving tractors trailers, box trucks and a myriad of other big rigs.