CHARLESTON – A Charleston attorney is continuing his efforts to help the family and law enforcement community in the wake of a Charleston Police officer’s death earlier this month in the line of duty.
And, he also is trying to help the family of a Putnam County man who died in the explosion at a Belle chemical plan earlier this month.
Rusty Webb had t-shirts and hats made to benefit charities related to 28-year-old Patrolman Cassie Johnson, who died December 3, two days after she was shot while responding to a parking complaint. Joshua Phillips, 38, was charged with first-degree murder in Johnson’s death.
Putnam County man victim in chemical-related explosion By
The explosion lit up the night sky in eastern Kanawha County. Photo courtesy Aaron Spencer
BELLE, W.Va. A Putnam County man, well-known in his community including for service in his church, died in the explosion at the Belle chemical plant property in Kanawha County late Tuesday night.
John Gillenwater/courtesy photo
The family of John Gillenwater, 42, of Hurricane, announced his death in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon.
“The family is devastated over the loss of their husband, father and friend John Gillenwater. John was beloved by many in his community and his church,” the release said. “Tina and her children are surrounded by family and friends in this great time of need. What happened was a tragedy.”