USFA LODD: Wyoming Deputy Fire Chief On-Duty Death Notification 01.13.2016

On September 10, 2015, Deputy Chief Clarence "Speed" Hartbank, 79, fell approximately 15 feet through the ceiling of a bunker while fighting a grass and structure fire in rural Fremont County, near Lander, Wyoming. Hartbank suffered second- and third-degree burns over 38 percent of his body, seven broken ribs and a punctured lung. Deputy Chief Hartbank was flown to Swedish Medical Center in Colorado and went through numerous surgeries in the months since the incident. On January 13, 2016, Clarence “Speed” Hartbank passed away at the Swedish Medical Center from the injuries he sustained. 

  

Our condolences to the Hartbank Family & Friends, Fremont County Fire District and to all affected by Deputy Chief Clarence "Speed" Hartbank’s passing.

  

To date, 4 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.)