WASHINGTON COUNTY E.M.S. MOURNS LOSS OF E.M.T. FRED KEMP
Washington County–Johnson City EMS is grieving the loss of Fred Kemp, a 28-year veteran rescue technician and advanced EMT, who died on October 22, 2025, during a high-angle technical rescue training exercise at Blue Hole Falls in Carter County. Kemp, an instructor, fell from a significant height, and despite immediate aid and additional resources, he succumbed to his injuries.
The incident, announced by Public Affairs Officer James Matthews, is under internal and external review, standard for a line-of-duty death. EMS Chief Dan Willie, who worked with Kemp since 1998 and co-taught rescue courses with him for 15 years, described him as a passionate instructor in technical rope rescue, swiftwater rescue, and vehicle extrication.
Kemp was also deeply involved in his church and community, leaving behind his wife, Lori, also an EMS worker, and their family.
The EMS community is focused on supporting Kemp’s family, friends, and colleagues during this devastating time.
