SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Elderly Couple Perish in Allentown House Fire

On 11/23/08 shortly before 2100 hours, Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to 5484 Lamar Ward Lane in reference to a structure fire. A motorist traveling on Highway 89 observed the fire and called 911 to report the incident. When deputies arrived, fire department personnel were already on scene and began to fight the fire, which had already engulfed the entire house. The two occupants of the home were identified as Ingram Lamar Ward (81 years old) and his wife, Dorothy Verburg Ward (72 years old). Dorothy Ward was located by fire personnel inside a bedroom and was rushed to Santa Rosa Hospital were she succumbed to her injuries caused by the fire. Ingram Ward was located by fire personnel and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Prior to the fire, Ingram Ward was attending choir practice at Calvary Baptist Church in Allentown on Highway 89. He left the church at 2020 hours to return home to his wife. At this time it is not known how the fire started. According to family members, the Ward's have been Santa Rosa County residents for close to seven decades. They had been married for 52 years. Most of the Ward's family members live in the close knit community of Allentown within a 3 mile radius of the home that was destroyed. The State Fire Marshal's Office was also on scene and assumed the investigation. Five fire departments responded to the scene, to include: Allentown Fire Department, Jay Fire Department, Berrydale Fire Department, Skyline Fire Department, and NAS Whiting Field Fire Department. Lifeguard Ambulance service was also present. As of the time of this release, fire personnel and the State Fire Marshal's Office are still on scene assuring that the fire is completely extinguished.

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net