USFA LODD: Ohio Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.28.2015

Firefighter Patrick R. Wolterman, 28, on December 28, 2015 died from injuries sustained when he became trapped in a residential structure fire. According to initial reports from the media and fire department, firefighters responded to the fire at 0112hrs and upon arrival observed heavy smoke coming from the home. Firefighters had been advised that the house may be occupied with two elderly residents and at 0117hrs entered the home to search for any residents and began an interior attack on the fire. At approximately 0120hrs Firefighter Wolterman fell from the first floor into the basement and firefighters transmitted a "Mayday" alert calling for help.  Firefighters quickly located and rescued Patrick R. Wolterman and performed life saving measures while en route to Fort Hamilton Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The fatal fire incident remains under investigation by local and state authorities.



Our condolences to the Wolterman Family & Friends, Hamilton Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Patrick R. Wolterman’s passing.

  

To date, 86 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 LODD: Pennsylvania Fire Police On-Duty Death Notification 12.22.2015

Fire Police Officer Louis “Pop Pop” Patti, 67, passed away on December 22, 2015, from a CVA injury suffered minutes after returning home from a response call on December 6, 2015.

Our condolences to the Patti Family & Friends, Warwick Township Fire Company 1 and to all affected by Fire Police Officer Louis “Pop Pop” Patti’s passing.

  

To date, 85 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 LODD: Mississippi Fire Captain On-Duty Death Notification 12.21.2015

Fire Captain Willie B. Ratliff, 66, on December 21, 2015 at 2115hrs, was found deceased in the firehouse by fellow firefighters from an apparent heart attack shortly after participating in fire department physical training at the fire station.

Our condolences to the Ratliff Family & Friends, City of Clarksdale Fire Department and to all affected by Fire Captain Willie B. Ratliff’s passing.

  

To date, 84 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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.) 

House Fire: Village of Owego New York 12.21.2015

(Owego, NY) At around 6:15 p.m. on Monday evening, a neighbor noticed the flames and called 911, for a fire call, for a working structure fire at 7 Fulton St. in the Village of Owego, New York which led to a quick response by local firefighter and police. The Owego Fire Department, Tioga Center FireDepartment, and Apalachin Fire Department all responded to the scene of the house fire.

"Teamwork" played a crucial role in knocking down Monday night's house fire in the Village of Owego.

"The ability to have an actual aerial ladder, versus working off of a ground ladder, is huge. In this instance, it helped us actually save property by quickly getting it deployed in a safe manner, and getting firefighters to the roof to contain the fire," Daniel Gavin, chief of the Owego Fire Department, said.

  

The fire erupted in the home and flames affected the first floor, exterior and attic of the residence. There was only one resident in the home at the time of the fire, who managed to escape safely.

That fire was cause by a wood stove on the first floor.

No one was injured in the fire.

(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 LODD: North Carolina Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.15.2015

Firefighter Sidney “Sid” Winer, 92, was involved in a motor vehicle collision on October 20th, 2015, while riding in department's Ford F150 returning from picking up equipment.  Another vehicle pulled out directly in front of the department's truck. Firefighter Winer sustained serious fractures to both feet as a result of the collision which totaled the department's truck.  As a result of the injuries he sustained, Firefighter Winer's right leg was amputated just below the knee on December 3rd, 2015.  Firefighter Winer was in the rehabilitation center at CarolinaEast Medical Center when he succumbed to his injuries on December, 15th.

Our condolences to the Winer Family & Friends, Fire Department: No. 7 Township Fire Rescue and to all affected by Firefighter Sidney “Sid” Winer’s passing.

  

To date, 83 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 LODD: Texas Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.19.2015

While involved in training exercises at the fire station, Firefighter Stacy A. Crawford, 47, on December 19, 2015 at at 1130hrs, suddenly became unconscious and collapsed. Resuscitation efforts were begun by fellow responders and Firefighter Crawford was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Our condolences to the Crawford Family & Friends, Navarro County Emergency Services District #1 and to all affected by Firefighter Stacy A. Crawford’s passing.

  

To date, 82 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 LODD: New York Fire Captain On-Duty Death Notification 12.15.2015

Captain Jack H. Rose, 19, on December 15, 2015 at 1859hrs, responded with members of his fire department to a mutual aid response call for a reported chimney fire. According to the fire department, when firefighters arrived on scene they observed fire coming from the ground floor. An entry team of firefighters from the Mt. Marion Fire Department entered the basement to extinguish the fire. During the interior firefighting operation, Captain Rose became separated from his team. Rose was quickly located by fellow firefighters and removed from the basement. Once outside, Captain  Rose became unresponsive and firefighters initiated lifesaving measures. Captain Rose was treated by paramedics at the scene and transported by DIAZ Ambulance to the Health Alliance Hospital-Kingston Broadway Campus where efforts to revive Jack H. Rose  continued. In spite of all life saving measures, Captain Captain Jack H. Rose eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Our condolences to the Rose Family & Friends, Mount Marion Fire Department and to all affected by Captain Jack H. Rose’s passing.

  

To date, 81 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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.) 

Tioga County Firefighters Battle Working Fire In Spencer Home 12.15.2015

(Spencer, New York) A Tioga County home caught fire and was destroyed at 136 N. Railroad Ave. in Spencer, New York. The structral fire call came in around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening with multiple Fire Units from around Tioga County on scene for a confirmed working fire.

The house fire burned for hours. Fire departments from Candor, Spencer, and Halsey Valley were all called to the scene to fight the fire.



There were two people in the home at the time of the fire. Both of them got out safely including pets. Three people in total live in the home, including an 18 year-old, 23 year-old and their stepfather. 

"There are no injuries at this point in time from the incident," Assistant Fire Chief at the Spencer Fire Department David C. Lanning Jr. said. 

The roof of the home collapsed. So, firefighters were not able to get inside the home but instead were fighting the flames from the outside. 

The house is believed to be a total loss . "I'm sure it will be totaled," Lanning Jr. said. "The roof is burnt through, so pretty much the interior of the building is destroyed." 

The Tioga County Fire Investigation Team was requested along with Red Cross

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. 




(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.) 

Newark Valley Fire Damages Home 12.14.2015

(Newark Valley, New York) A house fire broke out at 3847 Newark Valley-Maine Road in Newark Valley, in Tioga County, N.Y. just before 6 p.m. Tuesday evening.
  
Firefighters responded to quickly extinguish the fire, with firefighters from Newark Valley and Maine responded to the scene, along with Maine Ambulance.

The Newark Valley's Assistant Fire Chief David Ackley said the fire was put out quickly, but there was enough damage to prevent the two occupants from returning home for the night. Assistant Fire Chief David Ackley also stated that fire crews believe it may have started in the living room.

The fire caused significant damage to the residence.

Officials are investigating the cause of the fire.

(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 LODD: Illinois Firefighter/Paramedic On-Duty Death Notification 12.14.2015

Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel V. Capuano, 42, on December 14, 2015 at 0243hrs, died from injuries sustained in a fall down an elevator shaft while operating with fire crews in heavy smoke conditions inside of a burning warehouse building. Firefighter/Paramedic Capuano was quickly removed from the building and into a waiting ambulance then taken to Christ Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The cause of the fatal fire incident remains under investigation by local and state authorities.

Our condolences to the Capuano Family & Friends, Chicago Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel V. Capuano’s passing.

To date, 80 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 LODD: Wisconsin Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.11.2015

Firefighter Lawrence “Larry” W. Millard , 56, on December 11, 2015 at 1600hrs, was struck by a passing vehicle as he was directing traffic while the department was on the scene of a motor vehicle crash on U.S. I-39 at mile post 99.5 in Marquette County, Wisconsin. Firefighter Millard was rushed by ambulance to a hospital in Portage then flown to the University of Wisconsin Trauma Center in Madison, where he succumbed to his injuries.



Our condolences to the Millard Family & Friends, Endeavor Moundville Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Lawrence “Larry” W. Millard’s passing.

To date, 79 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 LODD: California Fire Captain On-Duty Death Notification 11.30.2015

Fire Captain Scott Carroll, 48, on November 28, 2015 fell ill while working a duty shift that had included one cooking fire and two EMS calls. Captain Carroll left the station for his personal physician’s office and then home to rest where, two days later, on November 30, 2015, he was found by his wife having suffered a fatal brain aneurysm.

Our condolences to the Carroll Family & Friends, City of Oxnard Fire Department and to all affected by Fire Captain Scott Carroll’s passing.

To date, 78 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 LODD: Illinois Firefighter/Paramedic On-Duty Death Notification 12.04.2015

Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Zielinski, 49, on December 4, 2015 at 1445hrs, responded to a medical incident for a male who was in cardiac arrest at a local retail store. While performing CPR on the patient, Firefighter/Paramedic Zielinski suffered a medical emergency. A second ambulance was summoned and Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Zielinski was taken to Franciscan St. James Hospital in Olympia Fields where, despite all efforts, Zielinski passed away from a reported cardiac related injury. 

Our condolences to the Zielinski Family & Friends, Matteson Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Zielinski’s passing.

To date, 77 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 LODD: Kentucky Fire Captain On-Duty Death Notification 12.05.2015

Fire Captain Zach Chase Clevenger, 30, worked a structure fire in the evening of December 4th returning home near midnight. Firefighter Clevenger was found unconscious by his wife in the morning and emergency assistance was summoned. All efforts to revive Fire Captain Zach Chase Clevenger were unsuccessful and he passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.  

Our condolences to the Clevenger Family & Friends, Estill County City Fire Department and to all affected by Fire Captain Zach C. Clevenger’s passing.

To date, 76 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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.) 

House Fire Claims 83 Year Old Man’s Life 12.02.2015

(Sayre, PA) A house fire broke out,just after midnight Wednesday morning, at 105 Peck Street in Sayre, Pennsylvania with one man dead and a woman injured. Sayre fire officials say that 83-year-old Philip Bowman was smoking in bed with oxygen on when the fire started. “The gentleman was smoking in bed with oxygen on. That's how the fire started,” Sayre Assistant Fire Chief, Gil Crossett said.

  

“I didn't want to go in, but I saw the person moving, so I dove in and grabbed the guy and brought him out to the back porch. By that time the Sayre Police was there and one of our young fire fighters and they grabbed him and took him to the ambulance,” Sayre Assistant Fire Chief said.

   

Philip Bowman’s daughter, Kathy Seck, who also lived in the home at the time of the fire, was taken to a hospital in Allentown for treatment.

  

The 83-year-old Philip Bowmanpassed away of his injuries from a house fire at Robert Packer Hospital Wednesday morning. 

    

Fire officials said the home is a total loss.

(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 LODD: Kentucky Assistant Fire Chief On-Duty Death Notification 11.24.2015

On November 12, 2015 at 2200hrs, while responding to a fire call, Assistant Fire Chief Terry “TC” Culver, 65, became ill with heart attack like symptoms causing him to fall from a piece of fire apparatus onto a concrete floor. Assistant Fire Chief Culver was treated and transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries almost two weeks later on November 24, 2015. The nature and cause of fatal injury is still to be reported.  

Our condolences to the Culver Family & Friends, Calvert City Fire Department and to all affected by Assistant Fire Chief Terry “TC” Culver’s passing.

To date, 75 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 LODD: Michigan Fireboat Captain On-Duty Death Notification 11.20.2015

Fireboat Captain Walter Szelag, 65, on November 20, 2015 at 1615hrs, became ill from an apparent heart attack while on-duty with the City of Detroit Fire Department’s Fire Boat 1. According to initial reports, crew members radioed for an ambulance to be sent to the fire boat station where Captain Szelag was working to prepare the fire boat for the winter season. Captain Szelag was transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital but succumbed to his injury.  

Our condolences to the Szelag Family & Friends, City of Detroit Fire Department and to all affected by Fireboat Captain Walter Szelag’s passing.

To date, 74 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 LODD: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.19.2015

Firefighter Sergeant Vince Smith on November 19, 2015 passed away in his sleep at the fire station from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined. According to media reports, Firefighter Smith complained of not feeling well just before retiring for a rest period. Sergeant Smith was assigned to Detroit Fire Department’s Ladder 13 but was working an extra shift at the station housing Engine 48 at the time of his passing.

            

Our condolences to the Smith Family & Friends, City of Detroit Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Vince Smith’s passing.

To date, 73 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 LODD: New Jersey Deputy Chief On-Duty Death Notification 11.11.2015

Deputy Chief Thomas J. Kolarick, 59, on October 17, 2015 returned to the firehouse after a fire alarm response. Inside of the firehouse, Kolarick suffered a medical emergency and collapsed. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he remained hospitalized until the time of his passing on November 11, 2015.

   

Deputy Chief Thomas J. Kolarick is survived by his loving wife of twenty-two years, Barbara (Kent) Kolarick, his beloved children; Emily H. Kolarick of Fords, Thomas M. Kolarick and wife Barbara of Keasbey, Eric S. Kolarick of Crofton, Maryland and Austin C. Kolarick of Fords, his adored grandchildren Trinity, Phoenix and Jaden, his dearest sisters Donna Starrick of Matawan and Debbie Gallagher of Fords, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Shari and John Fratellone and also by several nieces and nephews

            

Our condolences to the Thomas Family & Friends, Protection Fire Department #1, and to all affected by Deputy Chief Thomas J. Kolarick’s passing.

To date, 72 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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.) 

Two-Alarm House Fire in Conklin, New York 10.30.2015

(Conklin, NY) A two-alarm house fire broke out Friday evening, two elderly individuals escaped. The Conklin Fire Department responded to a large house fire around 7:30 Friday evening. When they arrived to the scene on Banta Rd. the fire was going strong.

"The front of the house was fully involved when we got on the scene. The home owners were out in the road away from the house by the time crews got onto the scene. This was an old school house, probably one of the oldest buildings in Conklin. With the type of construction, the fire just took off up to the walls in the building. It was pretty much going pretty good by the time our first truck got here," said Bill Gorman, Fire Chief of the Conklin Fire Department.

It’s believed the fire started somewhere near the kitchen, before spreading quickly through the walls and into the attic. The flames were so heavy that firefighters never even made it inside. Fire Chief Bill Gorman said, seven fire departments responded to the incident. He also said that the elderly couple who resided at the home opened a door and noticed fire in the kitchen but they were able to escape. The couple was taken to the hospital for observation but did not sustain any serious injuries. 
   
"I know different families have lived in it, and it means a lot to a lot of them,” Conklin Fire Chief Bill Gorman said. “It's a historic building. Unfortunately, now it's ruined."

The Conklin Fire Department was the main department on scene, but at least five other crews helped out. Firefighters said they may never know what caused the fire because the home will be torn down.

The structure is a total loss. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.



(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 LODD: Texas Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.25.2015

Firefighter Larry O'Neil, 58, on October 25 at 1130hrs was responding to an emergency medical call in a fire department vehicle and had just arrived on-scene when fellow responders noticed that he had become ill. Firefighter O’Neil was removed from the vehicle, provided medical assistance, and transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to a nature and cause of injury still to be reported but thought to be cardiac related.

            

Our condolences to the ONeil Family & Friends, Lone Camp Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Larry O'Neil’s passing.

To date, 71 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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.)