After departing the scene of a residential structure fire, Captain Robert Thomas, 52, on June 30, 2015 at 2200hrs, lost control of the fire apparatus he was operating on Louisiana Highway 155 and crashed into a ditch. The vehicle overturned ejecting Captain Thomas, who was not wearing seat restraints, and pinning him underneath. Firefighter Thomas was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Bienville Parish Coroner's Office. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by local and state authorities.
Our condolences to the Thomas Family & Friends, the Bienville Parish Fire Protection District 7 and to all affected by Fire Captain Robert Thomas's passing.
To date, 47 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.
