Mayor Wild later released the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our Westland firefighters who died in the line of duty this morning. He dedicated his life to protecting the residents of Wayne and Westland and this is a terrible loss for the firefighter’s family and our entire community. This tragedy is a reminder to us all of the sacrifice that firefighters make along with their family and friends every single day.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends, as well as the first responders of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department, who are mourning the loss of fellow firefighter, Brian Woehlke. Woehlke, 29, a Dearborn resident who was married and the father of one, had been a member of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department for 10 months. We are forever appreciative for the brave men and women of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department who put their lives on the line every day.”
Firefighter Brian Woehlke, 29, on May 8, 2013 at 0900hrs, passed away from injuries sustained in a commercial structure fire at a strip mall. Firefighter Woehlke was caught and trapped when the roof of the structure collapsed. Initial reports indicate that a Mayday call was made shortly after the collapse. Further details regarding the incident are pending and it remains under investigation by authorities.
Our condolences to the Woehlke Family & Friends, the Westland Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Brian Woehlke's passing.
To date, 30 firefighter fatalities has been reported to USFA in 2013. 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.)
