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.)