LODD: North Carolina Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.27.2016

On  Sunday, December 25, at 1617 hours, Station 51 was dispatched to an Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA).  Lieutenant Donald “Reid” Key II, 31, responded as the Driver of 516 (Tanker); however, was cancelled upon arrival by the Chief who had confirmed the AFA was accidental and no assistance was needed.  Upon returning to the station, Lieutenant Key assisted several fellow firefighters with washing, cleaning equipment, repacking hose on 511 (returning from 2nd alarm structure fire).  Later that evening after returning home, Lieutenant Key began experiencing a headache.  The next morning (12/26/2016), the headache worsened, at which time Key’s wife drove him to Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC.  After being evaluated, Lieutenant Key was airlifted to UNC-Chapel Hill Hospital where he arrived midday (12/26/2016).  He passed away at approximately 1345 hours on 12/27/2016. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

  
Our condolences to the Key Family & Friends, Whispering Pines Fire Rescue Department & EMS, and to all affected by Lieutenant Donald “Reid” Key II’s passing. 

To date, 90 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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 12.27.2016

On  December 27, 2016 at 0800hrs while preparing to leave the fire station upon completion of his shift which included responses to three emergency incidents, Captain Fred A. Newton, Sr., 66, went out to the station parking lot to start and warm his car. At 0815hrs, as other members of the fire department arrived at the station, they noticed Captain Newton was in his car and had perhaps fallen asleep while the vehicle was still running. When a firefighter went outside and knocked on a window of the vehicle there was no response. He then opened the door and noticed Captain Newton was not breathing. Emergency dispatch was notified and the EMS crew at the station immediately began to render assistance, including ALS procedures, and transported Captain Fred A. Newton, Sr. to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
    

Our condolences to the Newton Family & Friends, Somerset Township Fire Department & EMS, and to all affected by Firefighter/Smokejumper Captain Fred A. Newton, Sr.’s passing.    

  

To date, 89 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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: Indiana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.24.2016

On  December 24, 2016 at 0126hrs ,while responding to an early morning alarm call, Firefighter Richard Rehm’s, 37, privately owned vehicle became stuck on an active railroad crossing. A short time later, Firefighter Rehm was struck and killed by a passing train.
    

Our condolences to the Rehm Family & Friends, McCordsville Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Richard Rehm’s passing.   

  

To date, 88 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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 Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.20.2016

On  December 20, 2016 after responding with his fire department to a structure fire earlier in the evening, Fire Chief Arthur "Art" Brault, 54, was discovered by his wife deceased in bed when he did not turn out for a second structure fire alarm call.
    

Our condolences to the Brault Family & Friends, Cumberland Head Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Chief Arthur "Art" Brault,’s passing.   

  

To date, 87 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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 Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.16.2016

Deputy  Fire Coordinator Louis Kelly, 70, on December 8, 2016 at 1327hrs, responded to a multi-alarm residential structure fire in Clark, NJ.  He arrived on scene and assisted with operations at the Incident Command Post.  While on scene, he suffered a medical emergency and went into cardiac arrest.  He was immediately tended to by emergency responders, who performed CPR and utilized an AED to regain his pulse and breathing.  He was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and while still hospitalized the following week, his condition deteriorated and he passed away on December 16, 2016.
    

Our condolences to the Kelly Family & Friends, Union County Fire Office of Emergency Management, and to all affected by Deputy Fire Coordinator Louis Kelly’s passing.   

  

To date, 86 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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: Oregon Firefighter/Smokejumper On-Duty Death Notification 12.19.2016

Firefighter/Smokejumper  Ray Rubio, 52, passed away in the Grandview Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama, from injuries he suffered in a fall on November 23, 2016. Rubio, a Smokejumper (RAC 95) with the Redmond Air Center (RAC) - Deschutes National Forest, had been assigned to the Southeast during an outbreak of multiple large fires in the region. Firefighter Rubio was reported to have been in travel status on his way home to Oregon and staying overnight in Birmingham at the time of his injury.
    

Our condolences to the Rubio Family & Friends, Redmond Smokejumpers - Redmond Air Center Deschutes National Forest, and to all affected by Firefighter/Smokejumper Ray Rubio’s passing.   

  

To date, 85 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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: Ohio Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.19.2016

On  December 19, 2016 at 1659hrs, Firefighter Ruben E. Mast, 43, was responding to an alarm in his privately owned Ford F-250 pickup truck when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a guardrail before overturning. Firefighter Mast was reported to have been ejected from the vehicle. He was transported by Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department and Smith Ambulance to Union Hospital in Dover, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
    

Our condolences to the Mast Family & Friends, Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Ruben E. Mast’s passing.  

  

To date, 84 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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: South Carolina Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.02.2016

On  December 2, 2016 at 1741hrs, after responding to a motor vehicle accident call with the Whitesville Fire Department and then returning home, Assistant Fire Chief Jeffery A. Worsham, 45, was found in the morning by his spouse in cardiac arrest. The Whitesville Fire Department responded to Assistant Fire Chief Worsham’s residence where he was treated and transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injury several days later.
    

Our condolences to the Worsham Family & Friends, Whitesville Rural Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Assistant Fire Chief Jeffery A. Worsham’s passing.  

  

To date, 83 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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: Washington Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.28.2016

On  November28, 2016 at 2115hrs, after responding with his fire department to a residential fire and an aid call, Firefighter Charles “Doug” Archer, 49, returned to his residence to rest where he succumbed in his sleep.
    

Our condolences to the Archer Family & Friends, Spokane Fire District 8, and to all affected by Firefighter Charles “Doug” Archer’s passing.  

  

To date, 82 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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 11.27.2016

On  November 27, 2016 later in the day after responding with his fire department to an early morning carbon monoxide alarm, Firefighter Thomas Gary Walker, 70, collapsed at home and was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.
    

Our condolences to the Walker Family & Friends, Otsego County Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Thomas Gary Walker’s passing. 

  

To date, 81 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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: Montana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.30.2016

On  November 30, 2016 while serving on the Maple Spring wildfire in North Carolina, Blackfeet Nation Fire Management Crew Boss/Engine Boss Darryl Elden “Poor Boy” Vielle, 51, was found deceased in his motel room on the morning of November 30, 2016.  The Blackfeet Forestry and Fire Management crew has been supporting firefighters in North Carolina since November 10th.
    

Our condolences to the Vielle Family & Friends, Blackfeet Forestry and Fire Management, and to all affected by Crew Boss/Engine Boss Darryl Elden “Poor Boy” Vielle’s passing.

  

To date, 80 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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: Delaware Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.01.2016

After spending more than two months in the hospital fighting her injuries, The Wilmington Fire Department has reported the death of a third firefighter, Senior Firefighter Ardythe “Ardy” Hope, 48, injured while trying to rescue her fellow firefighters who were trapped after a floor collapsed in a brick row home fire on September, 24th.
   

Wilmington firefighters Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes, 51, were also killed in the fire and Firefighter Brad Speakman, who has since been released from the hospital, was seriously injured.
  
The family in the home at the time of the fire, including six children, managed to escape through the back of the residence. One of those residents, Beatrice Fana-Ruiz, the daughter of the homeowner, has been charged with arson and murder for intentionally setting the fire.

 

Our condolences to the Hope Family & Friends, Wilmington Fire Department, and to all affected by Senior Firefighter Ardythe “Ardy” Hope’s passing.

  

To date, 79 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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 Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.26.2016

On   November 26, 2016 after becoming ill while working on a mutual aid fire call with his fire department, Fire Police Captain Merle L. Nell, 78, passed away in the hospital from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

Fire Police Captain Merle L. Nell was a life member and past chief of the fire company, where he spent 51 years volunteering. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps as a military police officer and worked for the U.S. Postal Service.

Merle L. Nell leaves behind two sons two sons and two daughters-in-law, one daughter and son-in-law and several grandchildren.
    

Our condolences to the Nell Family & Friends, Volunteer Fire Company of Vernon, and to all affected by Fire Police Captain Merle L. Nell’s passing.

  

To date, 78 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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 Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.17.2016

On  October 29, 2016 Firefighter Ted Rodney Collett suffered head and arm injuries on while working a wildland fire incident when a tree limb fell and struck him and the fire apparatus he was on. Firefighter Collett was airlifted to Pikeville Medical Center for treatment but succumbed to his injuries the evening of November 17, 2016.

Our condolences to the Collett Family & Friends, Red Bird Volunteer Fire & Rescue, and to all affected by Firefighter Ted Rodney Collett’s passing.        

  

To date, 77 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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.) 

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USFA LODD: Georgia Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.19.2016

On November 19, 2016 at 1553hrs, Master Firefighter Michael W. Curry, 42, was involved in operations at an emergency incident on River Street late Saturday afternoon when he suffered an apparent medical condition. Emergency medical personnel attended to Master Firefighter Michael W. Curry on the scene and were escorted in their transport of the firefighter to Memorial University Medical Center. Master Firefighter Michael W. Curry passed away at the hospital Saturday evening.

  

Our condolences to the Curry Family & Friends, the Savannah Fire & Emergency Services, and to all affected by Master Firefighter Michael W. Curry's passing.       

  

To date, 76 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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: Indiana Fire Chief On-Duty Death Notification 11.08.2016

Fire Chief Michael Payne, 58, and members of his department responded to a truck fire on Interstate-65 north of Lafayette, IN, just before midnight on November 7, 2016. After the fire was extinguished, Fire Chief Payne fell ill and collapsed. Lifesaving efforts were initiated and Fire Chief Payne was transported to Indiana University Hospital (Lafayette) where those efforts continued until he passed away at approximately 0145hrs on November 8, 2016.

  

Our condolences to the Payne Family & Friends, the Brookston Prairie Township Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Chief Michael Payne's passing.       

  

To date, 75 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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.) 

Working Fire: Chenango Bridge, N.Y. – Firefighters Fight House Fire 11.07.2016

(Chenango Bridge, New York) A house fire broke out at 23 Newman Ave in Chenango Bridge, in Broome County,  N.Y. just after 5 p.m. Monday evening.

The house fire is reported to have started in the front, left corner of the home in the living room. Firefighters responded from multiple fire departments. A woman and her two dogs escaped the evening house fire making it safely out of the house. The Chenango Ambulance was requested to the scene for elderly occupant with smoke inhalation and also to standby on the scene. The woman was taken to the hospital.

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"We were toned out for a possible house fire with entrapment. Law enforcement on the scene confirmed the house fire. The one occupant inside the house got out of the house and was treated by Chenango Ambulance for possible smoke inhalation and transported to the hospital," said Michael Norton, Chenango Bridge Assistant Fire Chief.

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: New Jersey Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.06.2016

Firefighter Alfred A. Stewart, 79, on November 6, 2016 reported to the fire station for a company drill. He remained alone at the station to perform maintenance duties while other company members attended the drill. At some point, Firefighter Stewart ascended a ladder inside the station for these maintenance duties. When fire department personnel returned from the drill, they found Firefighter Stewart entangled in the fallen ladder. Despite lifesaving efforts, Firefighter Steward was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. It is unknown whether Firefighter Stewart suffered a medical emergency while atop the ladder and then fell, or if the ladder had fallen while he was on it, causing his trauma. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of Firefighter Alfread A. Stewart's death

  

Our condolences to the Stewart Family & Friends, the West Milford Volunteer Fire Company #6, and to all affected by Firefighter Alfread A. Stewart's passing.       

  

To date, 74 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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: Ohio Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.31.2016

On  October 31, 2016 at 1545hrs, Firefighter Adam Long, 44, suffered a massive cardiac arrest while on duty. Fellow responders treated Firefighter Long and transported him to the hospital, but despite all efforts, Firefighter Long passed away.

  

Our condolences to the Long Family & Friends, the Defense Supply Center Columbus Fire and Emergency Services, and to all affected by Firefighter Adam Long's passing.       

  

To date, 73 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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 10.31.2016

On  October 31, 2016 at 2200hrs, Firefighter John C. Brocker, 65, responded on a fire unit to a single vehicle vs. utility pole crash.  The vehicle was occupied by five teenagers, one of whom died from injuries sustained. Upon arrival, Firefighter Brocker advised the department chief he was having chest pain. After sitting down, he was given oxygen and began to feel better.  A short time later, Firefighter Brocker collapsed in full arrest at the scene. He was transported to St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, WI, where he passed away.

  

Our condolences to the Brocker Family & Friends, the Town of Oneida Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter John C. Brocker's passing.    

  

To date, 72 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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 Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.31.2016

Firefighter  Joseph Bichler, 66, responded to two fire calls on October 30, 2016.  These calls were at 1302hrs and 2340hrs, respectively. For both calls, he responded to the station and stood-by until fire apparatus returned and then assisted the apparatus with getting back into service.  While at home the following morning, Firefigter Bichler collapsed in the driveway of his residence.  Emergency 911 was called and his home department, Evesham Fire Department, responded along with paramedics for the medical call.  Firefighter Joseph Bichler was found to be in cardiac arrest. His fellow fire department members performed CPR and transported him to a local hospital where he succumbed.

Our condolences to the Bichler Family & Friends, the Evesham Fire-Rescue (Evesham Fire District #1), and to all affected by Firefighter Joseph Bichler's passing.  

To date, 71 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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: Colorado Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.29.2016

On  October 29, Firefighter/Paramedic Jermaine Frye, 31, on the day after being released from the hospital for treatment of a work-related injury he sustained during training on October 25, 12016, Firefighter/Paramedic Jermaine Frye was found at his home in cardiac arrest. According to the fire department, Wescott Fire Protection District responders tried unsuccessfully to revive Firefighter/Paramedic Jermaine Frye, but he succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

  

Our condolences to the Frye Family & Friends, the Cimarron Hills Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Jermaine Frye’s passing.      

  

To date, 70 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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: Nevada Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.05.2016

On  October 5, 2016, Fire Captain Yaphet Miller succumbed to a medical injury suffered soon after working a multi-alarm fire in a shopping plaza that damaged six businesses on September, 23rd. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

  

Our condolences to the Miller Family & Friends, North Las Vegas Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Captain Yaphet Miller’s passing.      

  

To date, 69 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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 City Battalion Chief On-Duty Death Notification 09.27.2016

Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy, 44, was struck and killed by debris when a 2-story private residence under investigation for an illicit drug manufacturing operation exploded. Firefighters had first responded to a report of a gas smell at the location and found the drug lab, notifying police, but the house exploded before the situation could be fully assessed and mitigated. The fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities.

  

Our condolences to the Fahy Family & Friends, Fire Department City of New York, and to all affected by Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy’s passing.       

  

To date, 68 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.24.2016

Firefighter/Paramedic Sean McMullin, 46, on September 24, 2016 at 1250hrs, was found unresponsive while on-duty at West County EMS & Fire Protection District Station 2. Fellow responders initiated lifesaving efforts, but were unsuccessful. The nature and cause of Firefighter/Paramedic McMullin's fatal injury have not been reported.

  

Our condolences to the McMullin Family & Friends, West County EMS & Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Sean McMullin’s passing.       

  

To date, 67 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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: Two Delaware Firefighters On-Duty Death Notification 09.24.2016

In  the early morning hours of September 24th, Wilmington firefighters were dispatched to a burning brick row home on the 1900 block of Lakeview Road. Soon after arrival, believing that there were still residents trapped in the home, firefighters entered the structure. While searching the interior, several firefighters fell through a collapsing floor killing two of them: Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes, 51. Two other firefighters were critically injured but reported to be in stable condition. The family in the home at the time of the fire, including six children, managed to escape through the back of the residence. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Investigation into the fatal fire continues by local, state, and federal authorities.

  

Our condolences to the Leach Family & Friends, the Fickes Family & Friends, Wilmington Fire Department, and to all affected by Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach’s and Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes passing.       

  

To date, 65 and 66 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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 Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.21.2016

On  September 19, 2016 at 1049hrs, while preparing to leave home for a response call to assist law enforcement gain access to the roof of a building, Fire Safety Officer Charles E. Horan, 61, tripped and fell, suffering a severe injury. Safety Officer Horan was treated by fellow responders and transported to the hospital where, despite all efforts, he succumbed to his injuries several days later on September 21, 2016.

  

Our condolences to the Horan Family & Friends, North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Safety Officer Charles E. Horan’s passing.       

  

To date, 64 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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 Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.21.2016

Ventura County Fire Engineer Ryan Osler, 38, died from injuries sustained in a fire apparatus crash while it was negotiating a traffic circle enroute to the Canyon Fire on Vandenburg Air Force Base. According to media reports, the water tender truck was loaded with 2,000 gallons of water and struck a curb in the roundabout then overturned. Two Firefighters were in the vehicle when it crashed. The passenger (Engineer Osler) was killed, while the driver suffered minor injuries. The fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities.

  

Our condolences to the Osler Family & Friends, Ventura County Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Engineer Ryan Osler’s passing.       

  

To date, 63 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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 Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.16.2016

On  the evening of September 15, 2016, Chief Engineer Daniel P. McCann III, 51, was participating in a scheduled firematic training drill with his company.  Upon conclusion of the drill, he returned home for the night. A few hours later, Chief Engineer McCann suffered a medical event (likely cardiac).  Chief Engineer McCann was found in the morning having succumbed to his injury. EMS responded to his home but they were unable to revive him and he was pronounced deceased a short time later.  An autopsy is pending.

  

Our condolences to the McCann Family & Friends, Manasquan Hook & Ladder Company 1, and to all affected by Chief Engineer Daniel P. McCann III’s passing.       

  

To date, 62 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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 Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.09.2016

On  September 9, 2016 at 0900hrs, Senior Firefighter Eric C. Gustafson, 40,  was driving a fire truck in response to a trailer fire. While en route, the fire truck clipped a bridge, ran off the road and rolled over injuring Firefighter Gustafson and two other firefighters. Eric C. Gustafson  passed away at the scene from the injuries he sustained. Both of the other firefighters were transported to hospitals with serious injuries, but are expected to make a full recovery.

  

Our condolences to the Gustafson Family & Friends, Meridian Fire Department and to all affected by Senior Firefighter Eric C. Gustafson’s passing.       

  

To date, 61 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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: Nebraska Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.11.2016

Firefighter Lowell Satterwhite, 68, responded to an emergency call at 1130hrs on 09/10/2016. Later that day, he returned home and went to bed. At approximately 0030hrs on 09/11/2016, Firefighter Satterwhite suffered an apparent heart attack and was transported to a hospital in Sioux City, IA, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

  

Our condolences to the Satterwhite Family & Friends, Dakota City Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Satterwhite’s passing.       

  

To date, 60 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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 09.07.2016

On  September 7, 2016 at 1700hrs, in response to a tank battery fire, Firefighter Colby Slaughter, 36, was driving a fire apparatus with its emergency warning lights and sirens on. While traveling westbound on State Highway 302, the fire apparatus was struck head-on by a semi-water hauler traveling eastbound as it attempted to pass other eastbound traffic. Firefighter Slaughter passed away on-scene from injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the semi-water hauler and one other firefighter in the fire apparatus were injured and airlifted to the hospital. Reports indicate that it was raining at the time of the crash.

  

Our condolences to the Slaughter Family & Friends, Wink Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Colby Slaughter’s passing.       

  

To date, 59 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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 Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.21.2016

On  August 21, 2016 Engine Operator Ian Howard, 36, was assigned to Engine 16 from the Beckwourth Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest and prepositioned for firefighting at the Paskenta Work Center on the Mendocino National Forest. Engine Operator Ian Howard was stationed overnight in Corning, California, where he was found in the morning deceased from a nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

  

Our condolences to the Howard Family & Friends, USFS Plumas National Forest - Beckwourth Ranger District, and to all affected by Engine Operator Ian Howard’s passing.      

  

To date, 58 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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: Two Michigan Firefighters On-Duty Death Notification 08.27.2016

On  August 27, 2016 Firefighter James Shelifoe, Jr., 23, and FirefighterAlan Swartz, 25, were killed when the fire apparatus (crew vehicle) they were riding in on Interstate 35W near Blaine, Minnesota, crashed into the median barrier and rolled a number of times. Several other firefighters riding in the truck were seriously injured and transported to the hospital. The firefighters, members of the Beartown Fire Department’s Type 2 wildland handcrew, were on their way to work the Box Canyon Fire in Utah when the crash occurred. The fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities.

  

Our condolences to the Shelifoe Family, the Swartz Family, & Friends, the Beartown Fire Department - Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and to all affected by Firefighter James Shelifoe's and FirefighterAlan Swartz's passing.     

  

To date, 56 and 57 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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.)