Russian Passenger Plane Crashes: Four Killed & Four Injured 12.29.2012

The Tupolev-204 is a twin-engine medium-range jet with a capacity of 210 passengers.

The Russian Red Wings Airlines flight was arriving to Vnukovo International Airport from the Czech Republic when it crashed through a fence, Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said.

It is thought the plane was on its second attempt at landing when the crash happened, at around 4.35pm local time (12.35GMT).

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

A Russian airliner split into pieces after it slid off the runway and crashed onto a highway outside Moscow on Saturday, killing at least four of the 8 crew members and with no passenger on board. The Tupolev-204 aircraft broke into pieces and caught fire after crashing, leaving smoking chunks of fuselage on the icy road.





Exclusive footage of the Tu-204 crash above. The exclusive footage shows the initial accident of the Tu-204 at Vnukovo airport. Footage filmed by witness whose car caught the plane rolled out to Kiev highway.

The crash took place during high winds and a snowstorm, but the cause of the accident is not yet clear.

Preliminary reports say the jet rolled out from the runway into Kievskoye Highway, fell into pieces and caught fire. Russian investigators said preliminary findings pointed to pilot error as the cause of the crash. The plane's nose, including the cockpit area, appeared to have been sheared off.






Investigators are examining flight recorders and other evidence to try to determine the cause of a plane crash in Moscow that left four people dead.

Vladimir Markin, a spokesman for Russia's main investigative agency, was quoted by Russian news agencies today as saying the data recorders were being examined, along with fuel samples.


In addition, he said flight documents for the plane have been taken from the airline for examination.

The four survivors were reported in critical or serious condition in Moscow hospitals.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Two Firefighters, West Webster Fire Department, New York, On-Duty Death

Firefighter Tomasz Marian  Kaczowka was shot and killed at the scene of a house fire that had been intentionally set in order to draw the firefighters into an ambush. Two other firefighters were also shot at the scene and are recovering in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Our condolences to the Kaczowka Family & Friends, the West Webster Fire District, New York, and to all affected by Firefirghter Tomasz Marian Kaczowka's passing. 

To date, 83 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.




Firefighter Chiapperini was shot and killed at the scene of a house fire that had been intentionally set in order to draw the firefighters into an ambush. Two other firefighters were also shot at the scene and are recovering in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Our condolences to the Chiapperini Family & Friends, the West Webster Fire District, New York, and to all affected by Firefighter Mike J. Chiapperini's passing. 

To date, 82 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Brooklyn Wisconsin Fire Chief On-Duty Death

Shortly after returning to his auto shop from an emergency call, Fire Chief Mortensen fell ill and was discovered on the ground outside of the building. Brooklyn Fire and EMS crews responded and began CPR. Chief Mortensen was flown to the hospital due to poor road conditions but despite all efforts succumbed to what is thought to have been a cardiac related injury.

"Big loss": Brooklyn fire chief dies suddenly. Longtime firefighter served department 42 years.


Our condolences to the Mortensen Family & Friends, the Brooklyn Fire & EMS Protection District, Wisconsin, and to all affected by Fire Chief Philip A. Mortensen's passing. 

To date, 81 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.






(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

4 West Webster N.Y. Volunteer Firefighters Shot Responding To House Fire - 2 Firefighters Killed

A unknown gunman ambushed four volunteer firefighters who responded to a house fire early Monday morning in West Webster, N.Y., killing two and seriously injuring two others, along with an off-duty police officer. Someone shot at firefighters around 6 a.m. Monday when they arrived at the scene of the blaze. 

According to fire officials, the threat presented by the gunman in Webster was eliminated. They believe he died as a result of a gunshot, but did not specify whether or not the wound was self-inflicted.

Police have not released the gunman's identity.


They say the incident appears to have been a trap, although they cautioned that they are in the early stages of the investigation.

Officials confirmed that police exchanged gunfire with a person when they responded to the scene.

One of the volunteer firefighters  Mike Chiapperini, who was killed was also a member of the Webster Police Department.




The other firefighter was Tomasz Kaczowka, a 911 dispatcher.

The alleged assailant, who also died, apparently took aim at the firefighters as they arrived at an early morning house and vehicle fire in the Rochester-area town of Webster, Police Chief Gerald Pickering said.

Pickering said two of the firefighters who were shot died at the scene. The two injured firefighters were hospitalized in intensive care, officials said. An off-duty police officer passing by the area also sustained shrapnel wounds, Pickering said.

Authorities did not immediately identify the suspect, who Pickering said was found dead at the scene.


"It does appear that it was a trap that was set," said Pickering, who choked back tears as he talked about the firefighters who were killed. One was also a police lieutenant with about 20 years on the force.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo described the Webster shooting as horrific and senseless.


"Volunteer firefighters and police officers were injured and two were taken from us as they once again answered the call of duty," he said in a statement.

Gunman dead after killing 2 firefighters, 3 others wounded at scene of blaze near Rochester

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Press The Button & Hear The BEEP!

Smoke Detectors and Smoke alarms do save lives when they are prepared to work properly. Ensuring that these first line of fire safety are ready to work. Perform a monthly check is a easy as pressing a button...



Having and knowing capabilities of all the different Smoke Detectors and Smoke Alarms that are on the market today becomes essential. Not all models of Smoke Detectors and Smoke Alarms are created equally. You need to be aware of the difference s in these devices to ensure you purchase and have the optimal fire safety protection...



Smoke alarms: Not all wake 'deep-sleeping' children

Officials urge smoke detector use in wake of deadly fire


A fire will quadruple in size as the time doubles. It's the smoke that's the killer not the fire. It is the gases that are in the smoke that are the killer. The importance of a Smoke Detector and Smoke Alarm is it's early warning. Anything that improves the chances to get out of a structure on fire is good.

So, each month take the time to "Press The Button & Hear The BEEP!" Be Fire Safe, Be Fire Wise, Learn Not To Burn!





(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death 12.12.2012

Firefighter Jeffery Hudson, 46, of the St. Louis Fire Department, on December 12, 2012 morning, and a short time after returning from an emergency call, Firefighter Hudson was found deceased in his bunk at the fire house. The cause of death is still to be determined.

Our condolences to the Hudson Family & Friends, the St. Louis Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Jeffrey Hudson's passing. 

To date, 80 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.






(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Wisconsin Fire Chief On-Duty Death

Fire Chief Steven W. Fritz, 58, of the Rothschild Fire Department on December 10, 2012. at 1230 hrs, fell ill while at his residence. Fire and EMS personnel responded to the call and transported Chief Fritz to Saint Clare’s Hospital where he passed away from an apparent heart attack. Chief Fritz had responded to the fire station for at least one emergency call earlier in day.

Our condolences to the Fritz Family & Friends, the Rothschild Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Chief Eddy Mendor's passing. 


To date, 79 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.





(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

USFA: Missouri Fire Chief and Pennsylvania Firefigter On-Duty Deaths

Fire Chief Eddy Meador, 54, on 12/08/2012 at 0030 hrs, shortly after working several emergency incidents including a car fire followed by a hazmat call on a nearby Interstate Highway, fell ill and passed away from a cause still to be determined. 

Fire Chief Eddy was a life-long resident of Pattonsburg, MO. He was the Superintendent for the Water Department of the City of Pattonsburg, MO Eddy was a member of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri, and was currently serving as Chief of the Pattonsburg Fire and Rescue Squad.

Fire Chief Eddy  leaves behind his sons, Brian Meador and Chris Meador; Daughter, Whitney Ortiz; mother, Elnora Smith; brothers, Danny Meador, and Randy Meador; sister, Elizabeth Hoover; half-sisters, Jenny Jo Paige, and Felicia Meador; and 7 grandchildren.

Our condolences to the Meador Family & Friends, the Pattonsburg Fire & Rescue Protection District, and to all affected by Fire Chief Eddy Mendor's passing. 

To date, 78 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

Firefighter Michael Martin, 51, on Nov 27, 2012, passed away while participating in a first responder training program at the Luzerne County Community College Public Safety Training Institute. Firefighter Martin, an employee of PPL Susquehanna, was employed at the PPL nuclear power plant in Salem Township and was part of the company's on-site fire brigade. During a SCBA portion of the training, Martin required medical assistance. The on-site trainer began to administer CPR and a college official called 911. An ambulance transported Firefighter Martin to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center where he succumbed to his injury. Investigation into the incident continues by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

OSHA Probes Death During Pa. First Responder Training

Our condolences to the Martin Family & Friends, and to all affected by Firefighter Michael Martin's passing.

To date, 77 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.





(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Texas Firefighter On-Duty Death 12.03.2012

Firefighter Jalen Smith, 20, of the Jackson Heights Volunteer Fire Department on November 30, 2012 at 2200 hrs, was en route to the firehouse in response to a tractor accident in the area. Firefighter Smith was riding in a personally owned vehicle that according to preliminary reports was forced to take evasive action and crashed.  Three members of Jackson Heights Fire Department were involved in the single vehicle rollover and all were taken to the hospital. 

Smith passed away on December 3, 2012  from injuries sustained during the rollover; he was reported to have been ejected from the vehicle.  The other two firefighters were treated and released the night of the accident. 

KLTV.com-Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville, Texas | ETX News

Jackson Heights Fire Station out of service as crew copes with firefighter's death

Our condolences to the Smith Family & Friends, the Jackson Heights Volunteer Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Jalen Smith's passing.

To date, 76 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.  





(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

USFA: Illinois Firefighter On-Duty Death

Firefighter  Timothy P. Jansen, on December 3, 2012 at 1930 hrs,  was struck and killed by a fire truck at the scene of a house fire.  Firefighter Jansen was on the first fire apparatus to arrive at scene and was standing outside the vehicle when he was hit. Firefighter Jansen was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese, where he passed away from his injuries. 

Timothy P. Jansen, Illinois Firefighter, killed at fire scene during a house fire.

Timothy P. Jansen was married and had two daughters.  He'd been with the fire district for 15 years.



Our condolences to the Jansen Family & Friends, the Santa Fe Fire Protection District and to all affected by Firefighter Timothy P. Jansen's passing.

To date, 75 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.  




(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Rhode Island Fire Captain On-Duty Death

Captain David M. Mowbray passed away at home after being taken to the hospital and treated for a broken back injury suffered while he was at the scene of an emergency medical call earlier in the year.

Captain David M. Mowbray has served with the North Kingstown Fire Department for the past 25 years. He leaves behind his wife Julie (Barlow) Mowbray and daughters Kimberlee and Michelle Mowbray. 

Captain Mowbray was a member of the IAFF and was known for his love of sports.



Our condolences to the Mowbray Family & Friends, the North Kingstown Fire Department and to all affected by Fire Captain David M. Mowbrays' passing.

To date, 74 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.  



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Chester County, Pennsylvania Volunteer Firefighter On-Duty Death

Captain Chris Good  36, of the  Good Will Fire Company in West Chester, Pennsylvania on November 22, 2012, died of possible cardiac arrest within 24 hours of working an active house fire in West Goshen Township.

Captain Good was a volunteer at Good Will Fire Company since 2002, and his nickname as "Goody," had responded to a house fire the night before, on November 21, 2012 in West Goshen.

Captain Good is survived by a wife and three young children.

Our condolences to the Good Family & Friends, the Good Will Fire Company and to all affected by Fire Captain Chris Goods' passing.

To date, 73 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.  

Firefighter dies after battling blaze: Firefighter dies after battling blaze





(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

USFA: North Carolina and Michigan On-Duty Death

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality:

Captain John T. Sayles, 38, of the Pentwater Fire Department on November 13, 2012, at 1652hrs, responded with his fire department to a working residential structure fire. Fewer than twenty-four hours later, Captain Sayles was at home when he experienced chest pain and difficulty breathing. Emergency assistance was summoned and he was transported to the hospital. After being evaluated and while being transported to a second hospital for surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm, it ruptured, resulting in Captain Sayles death.

Our condolences to the Sayles Family & Friends, the Pentwater Fire Department and to all affected by Fire Captain John T. Sayles' passing.

To date, 71 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

Fire Chief Walter M. Summerville III, 55, of the Kernersville Fire Rescue Department on November 6, 2012, at 1537hrs, responded with his fire department to a triple shooting incident. Near the end of the incident, Summerville complained to fellow firefighters that he didn’t feel well and went to sit in one of the department vehicles while the incident finished up. The following day, November 7, 2012, while at work, Chief Summerville complained again to coworkers that he still did not feel well and departed work early for home.  A short time later, Chief Summerville was discovered by a family member passed away from an apparent heart attack. 

Our condolences to the Walter Family & Friends, the Kernersville Fire Rescue Department and to all affected by Fire Chief Walter M. Summerville III's passing.

To date, 72 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.




(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

North Carolina Deputy Fire Marshal On-Duty Death

The U.S. Fire Administration has announced the official on-duty death of Deputy Fire Marshall John McClelland Hall, 48, of the Bladen County Emergency Services on November 7, 2012.

Deputy Fire Marshal Hall responded to and actively participated in fighting a fire in the Carvers Creek Community. He was also the primary investigator of the fire. During the incident, Hall fell ill and was put on bed rest. Several days later, he was taken to the hospital where he passed away from a heart related cause.

Funeral service set for marshal who died from heart complication - WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC

Our condolences to the Hall Family & Friends, the Bladen County Emergency Services and to all affected by Deputy Fire Marshall John McClelland's passing.

To date, 70 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

USFA: Illinois and Indiana Firfighters On-Duty Death

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality:

Firefighter Walter Patmon, Jr., 61, of the Chicago Fire Department, on November 11, 2012, at  2200hrs, upon returning to quarters after helping to put out a small kitchen fire in the South Side Beverly neighborhood of Chicago, fell ill while cleaning equipment. Firefighter Patmon was treated by fellow first responders and transported to the hospital where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

Our condolences to the Patmon Family & Friends, the Chicago Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Walter Patmon's passing.

To date, 69 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

Firefighter Mark Haudenschild II, 25, of the Washington Township Fire Department, on November 11, 2012, at  2024hrs, died from injuries sustained when the fire apparatus he was operating crashed as he was responding to a reported grass fire. Haudenschild was reportedly not wearing seat restraints and passed away at the scene of blunt force trauma due to the motor vehicle crash.

Our condolences to the Haudenschild Family & Friends, the Washington Township Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Mark Haudenchild's passing.

To date, 68 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.




(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

North Carolina Fire Captain On-Duty Death

Captain David Mitchell Tatum, 55, of the White Oak Fire Department on November 5, 2012. at  0045hrs, became sick at the scene of an emergency response but did not request treatment at that time. Later in the day, he began having trouble breathing and became unconscious. Captain Tatum was treated and transported to Bladen County Hospital and then transferred to Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville where he passed away, around 1 p.m. on Nov. 6, from a cause still to be determined.

Captain David Mitchell TatumTatum is survived by his wife, Regina; his children David Tatum Jr., Chris Tatum, Lisa Mahoney, Michelle Brown and Thomas Layton; and 15 grandchildren.

Our condolences to the Tatum Family & Friends, the White Oak Fire Department and to all affected by Captain David Mitcell Tatum's passing.

To date, 67 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.





(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Chicago Fire Department Firefighter LODD 11.02.2012

Chicago News and Weather | FOX Chicago News

Chicago firefighter killed in extra-alarm blaze on South Side - Chicago News and Weather | FOX Chicago News


Fire Dept. Capt. Herbie Johnson, 54, perished from injuries suffered Friday evening while battling a house fire at 2315 W. 50th Place, becoming the first Chicago firefighter to die in the line of duty since 2010.


Captain Johnson died from inhalation injuries sustained while operating at a structure fire. Media reports said that “Johnson died after saving several families--including many with small children--from a burning South Side home.” Investigation of the fatal fire incident continues.

Our condolences to the Johnson Family & Friends, the Chicago Fire Department and to all affected by Captain Herbert "Herbie" T. Johnson's passing.

To date, 66 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.






(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)