USFA LODD: Oklahoma Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.26.2017

On December 26, 2017 Lieutenant Jeffrey S. White, 53, succumbed to complications from a medical condition. Lieutenant White was assigned to Fire Station 36 in southeast Oklahoma City where he was when the episode began. White was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he later passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury to be determined.

Our condolences to the White Family & Friends, Oklahoma City Fire Department, and to all affected by Lieutenant Jeffrey S. White’s passing. 

To date, 93 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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: Kansas Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.26.2017

On December 26, 2017 fellow responders discovered Firefighter-Paramedic Jason Garrett, 46, deceased in the firehouse bunkroom when he did not appear for a morning response call. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined by authorities.

Our condolences to the Garrett Family & Friends, Kansas City Kansas Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter-Paramedic Jason Garrett’s passing.

To date, 92 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 12.23.2017

Firefighter Frank Matagrano, 75, suffered cardiac arrest inside the fire apparatus while it was responding to an emergency call on 12/13/2017. His fellow crew members immediately initiated CPR and utilized an AED to successfully regain his pulse. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remained hospitalized for continued care. Doctors determined that Firefighter Matagrano suffered a stroke which caused his cardiac arrest. He never regained consciousness, and subsequently passed away on 12/23/2017 in the hospital.

Our condolences to the Matagrano Family & Friends, New Milford Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Frank Matagrano’s passing. 

To date, 91 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 12.21.2017

Firefighter Craig A. Maull, 71, responded to a dwelling fire call on 12/19/2017, but his apparatus was recalled while enroute. Upon returning to quarters, Firefighter Maull mentioned to other members that he wasn't feeling well, but declined medical assistance and later went home. Firefighter Maull missed additional calls later, which was uncommon for him, and members were unable to contact him by phone or email. Family and department members went to his home on 12/21 to check on Firefighter Maull and found him deceased (from a heart attack). *Additional police follow-up shows extensive evidence that Firefighter Maull passed away sometime between the evening of 12/19 and morning of 12/20.

Our condolences to the Maull Family & Friends, Haddon Fire Company #1, and to all affected by Firefighter Craig A. Maull's passing.   

To date, 90 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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: Minnesota Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.19.2017

On December 19, 2017 Captain Jeffrey A. Vollmer, 40, passed away at home from an apparent cardiac arrest several hours after participating in non-classroom training of a nonroutine strenuous nature at a local community center.

Our condolences to the Vollmer Family & Friends, Mayer Fire and Rescue Department, and to all affected by Captain Jeffrey A. Vollmer's passing.   

To date, 89 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 12.20.2017

On December 20, 2017 shortly after working a barn fire with his fire department, Firefighter Jeffery Alan Blackmer, 42, was discovered deceased at the fire station where he had been cleaning and stowing away gear used to fight the early morning blaze. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined by authorities.

Our condolences to the Blackmer Family & Friends, Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Company, and to all affected by Firefighter Jeffery Alan Blackmer's passing.   

To date, 88 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 12.18.2017

On December 18, 2017 Firefighter David Jahnes, 58, fell ill while at the scene of an investigation into an odor at a bank which turned out to be an overheating battery in the alarm system. Firefighter Jahnes was treated by fellow responders and transported by the Nyack Ambulance Corps to the hospital where later during treatment he suffered coronary failure and passed away.

Our condolences to the Jahnes Family & Friends, Nyack Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter David Jahnes' passing.   

To date, 87 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 12.13.2017

Captain Dene Barber, 56, responded with the Brazoria Fire Department to an apartment building fire on the evening of December 13, 2017. Firefighters made entry into the building  and extinguished the fire. Upon exiting the structure, Captain Barber complained to others of not feeling well. Captain Barber was treated on scene by West Brazos EMS, then transported to the hospital where in spite of all efforts he passed away from a reported heart attack.

Our condolences to the Barber Family & Friends, Brazoria Fire Department and to all affected by Captain Dene Barber’s passing.  

To date, 86 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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: Florida Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.15.2017

On December 15, 2017 Engineer Jeffery Atkinson, 43, died while on-duty at the fire station from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Our condolences to the Atkinson Family & Friends, Tallahassee Fire Department and to all affected by Engineer Jeffery Atkinson’s passing.  

To date, 85 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 12.14.2017

On December 14, 2017 Engineer Cory Iverson, 32, died while fighting the Thomas Fire near Fillmore, California. The nature and cause of Engineer Iverson's death has not been released pending a Cal Fire serious accident review. Engineer Iverson was part of a multi-engine strike team dispatched from the San Diego area more than a week ago to fight some of the largest fires in California’s history.

Our condolences to the Iverson Family & Friends, CAL FIRE, and to all affected by Engineer Cory Iverson’s passing. 

To date, 84 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 12.07.2017

On December 1, 2017 Firefighter Charles Edward Patterson, 60, collapsed in the front yard of a residential structure fire while working a hose line with other members of his fire department. Emergency medical personnel were on scene and provided immediate assistance. Firefighter Patterson was transported to the hospital where he died several days later on December 7, 201 from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

Our condolences to the Patterson Family & Friends, Bowie Rural Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Charles Edward Patterson’s passing. 

To date, 83 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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.) 

Firefighters Battle Flames at Home in Tioga County, New York 12.07.2017

(TIOGA CENTER, NY) -- Multiple fire departments battle flames from a reported of a chimney fire at 143 Halsey Valley Road in Tioga Center, New York around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night. Fire departments from Tioga Center, Owego, Nichols, Halsey Valley and Waverly-Barton all assisted during the fire.

Several fire departments worked to put out the flames and left the scene around 3:30 a.m., Tioga Center Fire Department Fire Chief Arthur Mayer says. 

"There may have been an ember some place that we missed, it's hard to say what set it back off like that," said Fire Chief Mayer. "It was surprised at how quickly it became involved."

Reports indicate that the fire, at the 143 Halsey Valley Road home, spread to the back room of the residence. Firefighters believed that the fire was out by 3:30 AM Thursday morning, but it flared up again around 5:30 AM. Firefighters were called back to the scene after the fire rekindled.

A camper parked near the residence is also a complete loss.

The Tioga Central School District was on a two-hour delay Thursday morning, after firefighters were called back to the scene, at of an overnight blaze at 143 Halsey Valley Road in Barton.

There were no injuries but the home will be a complete 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: Massachusetts Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.05.2017

On December 12, 2017 Fire Chief Stephen Frye, 59, collapsed while operating on an initial attack line at the scene of a late night two-alarm chimney fire that destroyed a residential structure. Fire Chief Frye was treated immediately on scene by fellow responders and transported to the hospital by a Hilltown ambulance crew where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined.

Our condolences to the Frye Family & Friends, Montgomery Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Chief Stephen Frye’s passing. 

To date, 82 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 11.28.2017

On November 28, 2017 at 1611hrs, Firefighter/Safety Officer Robert A. Fitch, 60, responded with his fire department to a technical rescue call for a person who became stuck on some cliffs while attempting to rescue their pet. After the call, Firefighter Fitch returned home and during the night succumbed in his sleep to a cardiac related injury.

Our condolences to the Fitch Family & Friends, East Herkimer Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/Safety Officer Robert A. Fitch’s passing. 

To date, 81 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 02.05.2017

On February 5, 2017, Captain II David Todd Moorman, 50, worked a 36 hour shift during which he fell ill.  Captain Moorman's last call was a vehicle fire at 0530hrs.  After this incident, his duty shift ended and he went home.  Within an hour of Captain Moorman arriving home, he suffered a medical emergency and collapsed. A family member witnessed the collapse and immediately began to render first aid, including CPR, until responding units from the Ventura County Fire Department arrived on scene and initiated medical care. Captain Moorman was transported to Los Robles hospital in Thousand Oaks, California, where, despite all of the valiant efforts to save him, Captain Moorman was pronounced deceased a short time later.

Our condolences to the Moorman Family & Friends, Los Angeles City Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Captain David Todd Moorman’s passing. 

To date, 80 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 11.10.2017

On November 10, 2017 shortly after arriving on the scene of a motor vehicle crash, Firefighter Kendall James Murphy, 27, was struck and killed by another firefighter who was responding to the same accident scene in his privately owned pickup truck. The second firefighter, who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol registering a blood alcohol level of 0.21 percent, was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, and reckless driving.

Our condolences to the Murphy Family & Friends, Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Kendall James Murphy’s passing.

To date, 79 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 11.11.2017

On November 11, 2017 several hours after working on the scene of a three-alarm commercial structure fire at an auto body and glass company, Firefighter/EMT Scott A. Compton, 55, fell ill at home and died from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Our condolences to the Compton Family & Friends, Greenfield Fire Territory, and to all affected by Firefighter/EMT Scott A. Compton’s passing.

To date, 78 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 11.04.2017

Firefighter-Operator David E. Carr, 62, responded with his fire department on a mutual aid call to an industrial fire of 5,800 tons of burning wood pellets inside of a large metal warehouse. Firefighters, with the aid of the company president who brought in an excavator from another work site to tear down the walls and roof of the building, worked through the night to bring the fire under control. After being released from the scene, Firefighter-Operator Carr returned with his fire department to the firehouse to clean and put away equipment. Firefighter-Operator Carr then departed for home, where, later in the morning, he succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

Our condolences to the Carr Family & Friends, Winthrop Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter-Operator David E. Carr’s passing.

To date, 77 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 10.23.2017

Firefighter Edward J. Frenenski, 31, was participating in vehicle extrication training during a fire department drill at the county fire training academy. While performing a practical evolution, he suffered an apparent seizure, and was immediately treated by FD and EMS personnel on scene. He subsequently went into cardiac arrest while being transported to a local hospital, and CPR was initiated. Hospital emergency room staff continued with life-saving measures to no avail. Firefighter Frenenski, a life-saving organ donor at the time of his passing, was pronounced deceased approximately 2.5 hours later.

Our condolences to the Frenenski Family & Friends, Stanhope Hose Company 1, and to all affected by Edward J. Frenenski’s passing.

To date, 76 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 10.17.2017

On October 17, 2017, Firefighter Ronald W. Hinkle, 71, responded to a motor vehicle accident with the Loch Sheldrake Fire Company #1. Firefighter Hinkle was found later in the day at his home unresponsive. Fellow firefighters and other first responders attempted to revive Hinkle, but all rescue efforts failed. Firefighter Hinkle passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Our condolences to the Hinkle Family & Friends, Loch Sheldrake Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Ronald W. Hinkle’s passing.

To date, 75 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 10.16.2017

On October 16, 2017 Firefighter/Driver Garrett Paiz, 38, was killed in Napa, California, while operating an empty 1993 Kenworth water tender (tanker) when, according to the California Highway Patrol, the vehicle left the roadway on a curve and crashed through a guardrail down a ravine.  Firefighter/Driver Paiz, who died at the scene, was working on the Nuns fire burning in the hills above Oakville and was heading for a water resupply when the crash occurred near the bottom of a steep winding section of roadway called the Oakville Grade. According to initial reports, the roadway was closed for fire operations only at the time of the crash, and no other vehicles were involved. Firefighter/Driver Paiz, a native of the Coachella Valley in Southern California, and a volunteer firefighter with the Noel Fire Department in Missouri, was working as a contract firefighter with CAL FIRE at the time of his passing. The cause of the fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities.

Our condolences to the Paiz Family & Friends, CAL FIRE, and to all affected by Firefighter/Driver Garrett Paiz’s passing. 

To date, 74 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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: Florida Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.16.2017

Firefighter/Paramedic Steven R. Terry, 53, passed away while on duty October 16, 2017. Firefighter/Paramedic Terry was found unresponsive by his fellow Fire Station #9 crew members who then initiated resuscitative measures. He was transported by Hernando County Fire Rescue paramedics to Bayfront Brooksville Hospital. Despite the exhaustive efforts by the Bayfront Brooksville Hospital ED team, Firefighter/Paramedic Steven R. Terry passed away. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined and reported.

Our condolences to the Terry Family & Hernando County Fire Rescue, and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Steven R. Terry’s passing.

To date, 73 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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: South Dakota Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.14.2017

On October 14, 2017 Fire Chief Donald Fred Manger, 54, fell ill and passed away while on the scene of a working fire in an unoccupied structure. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

Our condolences to the Manger Family & Presho Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Chief Donald Fred Manger’s passing.

To date, 72 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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: North Carolina Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.09.2017

On October 8, 2017, Probationary Firefighter Jason Keith Hensley, 40, responded to a call for service of a tree blocking the roadway. Firefighter Hensley's POV was parked behind the fire department's brush truck and a police department vehicle was also on the scene. All emergency vehicles had their lights activated. Just after midnight, a pickup traveling eastbound on US Highway 70 approached the scene and failed to stop. The vehicle first struck Firefighter Hensley, who was wearing his reflective gear, killing him instantly, then crashed into the other vehicles at the scene. The driver of the vehicle spent the night in the hospital from injuries received and has since been charged by police with driving while impaired, no operator’s license, reckless driving, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Our condolences to the Hensley Family & Friends, Triple Community Fire Department Inc., and to all affected by Probationary Firefighter Jason Keith Hensley’s passing.

To date, 71 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 09.27.2017

Captain Eric J. Balliet, 41, died September 27, 2017, during a training exercise at a commercial structure while leading a crew during physically demanding maneuvers. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined and reported.

Our condolences to the Balliet Family & Friends, Fort Wayne Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Eric J. Balliet’s passing.

To date, 70 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 09.23.2017

Firefighter-EMT Matthew Mark Deicher was paralyzed from a July 31, 2003, ambulance crash while located in the patient compartment of the vehicle. On September 23, 2017, Firefighter-EMT Deicher passed away from complications due to his injuries and related medical condition.

Our condolences to the Deicher Family & Friends, Mosinee Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter-EMT Matthew Mark Deicher’s passing.

To date, 69 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 09.14.2017

Firefighter Lieutenant Kenneth Greene, Sr., 60, became ill while on-duty and was transported to the hospital from the fire station on September 3, 2017. Lieutenant Green passed away on September 14th, 2017, from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

Our condolences to the Green Family & Friends, Philadelphia  Fire Department, and to all affected by Lieutenant Kenneth Greene’s passing.

To date, 68 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 09.10.2017

On September 10, 2017 Battalion Chief Terry Smerdel, 59, returned from an early morning fire alarm call, and was later found by coworkers in his office, unresponsive. Advanced Life Support measures were immediately initiated. He was pronounced deceased surrounded by his Fire Department Family, and later joined at the station by the Department’s Chaplain and the Smerdel family.

Our condolences to the Smerdel Family & Friends, San Francisco Fire Department, and to all affected by Battalion Chief Terry Smerdel’s passing.

To date, 67 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 08.31.2017

On August 31, 2017 while returning from an assignment on the Railroad Fire in the Sierra National Forest, Battalion Chief Gary Helming, 47, was killed when a Ford F-350 traveling in the opposite direction suffered a tire failure, crossed the middle of the road, and struck Chief Helming's vehicle head-on.

Our condolences to the Helming Family & Friends, Los Padres National Forest - Santa Lucia District, and to all affected by Battalion Chief Gary Helming’s passing.

To date, 66 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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: Arkansas Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.26.2017

On August 26, 2017 Captain Randy Ray Treat, 71, fell ill while responding to an emergency call, becoming unresponsive, and then passing away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

Our condolences to the Treat Family & Friends, Kingston Rural Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Randy Ray Treat’s passing. 

To date, 65 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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: Alabama Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.13.2017

Lieutenant Dale Clinton “Clint” Hardemon, 58,  responded with the West Blocton Fire Department to a structure fire at 0818hrs on the morning of August 13, 2017. While on scene at the structure fire, Lieutenant Hardemon operated the fire pump on the fire apparatus and also maneuvered fire hose around the structure and apparatus. Fire department units returned to service at 1120hrs. Hardemon then drove the apparatus back to the station with no problems noted. 
  
Later that afternoon at approximately 1410hrs, Lieutenant Hardemon was at the fire station with Fire Chief Joe McCool looking at one of the fire department boats. Lieutenant Hardemon told the chief that he was feeling lightheaded and then fell to the ground unresponsive. Fire Chief McCool immediately began medical care and called 911.
    
Chief McCool initiated CPR and placed Lieutenant Hardemon on the AED; 2 shocks were administered before the arrival of the ALS unit. Lieutenant Hardemon was taken by ambulance to Bibb Medical Center, and then airlifted to DCH Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased that evening from a heart attack.

Our condolences to the Hardemon Family & Friends, West Blocton Fire Department, and to all affected by Lieutenant Dale Clinton “Clint” Hardemon’s passing.

To date, 64 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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 Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.24.2017

While participating in search and rescue training Thursday evening, on August 24, 2017, Firefighter Thomas P. McBride, 60, complained of difficulty breathing. He removed his breathing apparatus, denied medical treatment, cooled down, stated that he felt better and requested to return to the training. Instead, he was assigned to pump operations. A short time later, he collapsed. Resuscitation efforts were started immediately and Firefighter McBride was transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injury. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

Our condolences to the McBride Family & Friends, Campbellsburg Fire and Rescue, and to all affected by Firefighter Thomas P. McBride’s passing.

To date, 63 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. 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.)