Longtime Fire Department Employee is Victim in Whitfield County Motorcycle fatality

DALTON, GA (WDEF)-   The Dalton community mourns the loss of longtime deputy fire chief Gary Baggett Saturday night.

He died in a motorcycle wreck in Whtifield County. He retired from the Dalton Fire Department in February after 30 years of service to the City of Dalton. 

The crash happened at 7:15 PM Saturday evening at the intersection of Cleveland Highway and Westbrook Road. Preliminary information shows Baggett traveled southbound on Cleveland Highway.

A Toyota pickup traveling northbound attempted to turn left onto Westbrook Road in front of Baggett’s motorcycle. His bike struck the truck.

Baggett was taken to the Hamilton Medical Center. He was pronounced dead shortly after 8:00 pm.

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.