Firefighter/Paramedic Rickie K. Halcomb, 56, was assigned to Dayton Medic 11 and, on June 6, 2000, responded with other crews to I-75 Southbound at State Route 35 for an accident with a person trapped. After nasally intubating the patient and while assisting crews with patient removal from the wreckage, Firefighter/Paramedic Halcomb was exposed to the Hepatitis-C virus from the blood at the scene. Firefighter/Paramedic Halcomb suffered the adverse effects of the disease process until he passed away on March 21, 2014.
Our condolences to the Halcomb Family & Friends, the City of Daton Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Rickie K. Holcomb's passing.
To date, 45 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. 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.)