Statement on La Vergne Fire Chief’s Passing

It is with heavy hearts that the City of La Vergne announces the unexpected passing of Fire Chief Rick McCormick.

Chief McCormick was at St. Thomas Rutherford overnight after undergoing a knee replacement surgery on Thursday, August 16th. He passed away around midnight due to an unknown complication.

He was 49 years old.

The chief served on the City of La Vergne’s fire department since May, 1987 (31 years). He was sworn in as the fire chief in 2013, when the city purchased the private fire department. Before that, he achieved many rank promotions within the department and served as the assistant chief of the La Vergne Fire Department, Inc. He also served as the Emergency Services Coordinator for the city prior to becoming Chief.

Mayor Dennis Waldron said, “Ricky was a passionate person who loved his city and his fire department.

That love was equally returned by everyone in La Vergne and he is going to be deeply missed.”

The McCormick family is still dealing with the loss of their son Brandon, who died in April after a motorcycle accident.

No funeral arrangements have been made at this time. The family is asking for privacy as they begin to process this loss and grieve.

Funeral arrangements have been made for Chief Richard “Ricky” McCormick.

His visitation will be Tuesday, August 21st from 3p-7p at Highland Heights Church of Christ, 785 S. Lowry Street, Smyrna, TN.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, August 22nd at 10a at Highland Heights Church of Christ.

His burial with full honors will follow at Mapleview Cemetery, 411 Maple Street, Smyrna, TN.

The public and media are invited to attend.