On a summer day in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, an explosion in the woods drew the attention of local residents. On July 2, 1977, what began as a response to a cabin fire would end in a tragic loss for the community and its fire department. Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department Chief James W. Cutchall, a 33-year-old male, was among those who answered the call, a decision that would prove to be his last.
Two local men had initially gone to investigate the sound of the explosion and
discovered the cabin ablaze. As they neared the structure, a man with a rifle opened fire, killing one of them, Wilbur Ernest Brookens, instantly. Chief Cutchall arrived on the scene shortly after and began to assess the volatile situation. It was then that the gunman turned his weapon on the fire chief, shooting him multiple times. The first engine of firefighters to arrive also came under fire as they bravely attempted to rescue their fallen chief. In the hail of bullets, two other firefighters were injured. Despite their efforts, Chief Cutchall was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The shooting prompted an extensive eight-hour manhunt involving both state and local police forces. The suspect, identified as Gary Rock, had intentionally set the fire to lure people to the location. He eventually surrendered to the authorities. Rock was subsequently charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of Chief Cutchall and Mr. Brookens, as well as six counts of attempted murder for his attacks on the other individuals at the scene. In the years that followed this tragedy, the community has continued to honor the memory of their fallen chief, with a portion of Fayetteville's Main Street being dedicated as the James W. Cutchall Memorial Highway.
