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.)