USFA LODD: Pennsylvania Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.20.2018

On December 20, 2018, Captain Scott Dannheimer, 53, after working the scene of a structure fire, was in the seat of an engine performing after action duties when he collapsed.  CPR was immediately performed, and Dannheimer was transported to the hospital where he passed away a short time later. The nature and cause of the fatal injury have not yet been reported.  Captain Dannheimer was a member of the Coal Township Fire Department/East End Fire Company, Station 120.

  

Our condolences to the Dannheimer Family & Friends, Coal Township Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Scott Dannheimer’s passing. 

   

To date, 83 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Washington Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.16.2018

On Friday December 14, 2018, Captain John Ostergard, 63, collapsed at the scene of a working structure fire in Yelm, WA.  He was immediately transported to the Providence Saint Peters Hospital in Olympia, WA, where he passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2018.  The nature and cause of fatal injury have not yet been reported.  

  

Our condolences to the Ostergard Family & Friends, East Olympia Fire District 6, and to all affected by Captain John Ostergard’s passing. 

   

To date, 82 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Massachusetts Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.09.2018

On December 9, 2018, Firefighter Christopher Roy, 36, responded with the Worcester Fire Department to a basement fire of a 3-story, 6-unit apartment building. Conditions deteriorated rapidly and, ultimately, the fire went to five alarms. Heavy fire forced several firefighters to the second floor to evacuate. With the assistance of other crews and the Rapid Intervention Team, five firefighters escaped using ladders. Two additional firefighters, including Firefighter Roy, became trapped and had to be rescued by fire crews. Both were transported to a local hospital where Firefighter Roy passed away from the injuries sustained. The second firefighter was evaluated and released. 

  

Our condolences to the Roy Family & Friends, Worcester Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Christopher Roy’s passing. 

   

To date, 81 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 11.22.2018

On 11/21/18, Firefighter Michael Galay, 71, responded to smoke and a fire alarm activation at an office building. He returned from the incident and proceeded to assist several firefighters at Station 1 with the arrival of a new engine company. Firefighter Galay then went home, where, on the morning of 11/22/18 at approximately 0645hrs, his wife attempted to wake him and found him unresponsive. CPR was administered and Firefighter Michael Galay was transported to the hospital where he died a short time later.  The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

  

Our condolences to the Galay Family & Friends, Green Knoll Fire Rescue, and to all affected by Firefighter Michael Galay’s passing. 

   

To date, 80 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 11.15.2018

While responding to an emergency medical call, Firefighter Daniel Lucius, 33, was involved in an accident when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a pond. Emergency responders quickly responded to the accident scene and were able to pull FirefightLucius from the submerged vehicle. Firefighter Daniel J. Lucius was transported to Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, Ohio, where he was pronounced deceased from the injuries sustained.

  

Our condolences to the Lucius Family & Friends, Carroll Township Fire and EMS, and to all affected by Firefighter Daniel Lucius’ passing. 

   

To date, 79 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 11.08.2018

During his 24-hour shift on Nov. 8, 2018, Firefighter Michael Lubi, 46, led a crew as acting Sergeant for Squad 4 during which he responded to three fires and one medical incident. Toward the end of his shift, Firefighter Lubig suffered a medical emergency and was transported to Henry Ford Hospital. On Nov. 12, 2018, Firefighter Michael Lubig passed away from the injuries sustained. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

  

Our condolences to the Lubi Family & Friends, Detroit Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Michael Lubit’s passing. 

   

To date, 78 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 Carolina Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.07.2018

On November 7, 2018, Assistant Chief Dennis Straight, 59, was directing traffic at an accident scene on the on-ramp to Highway 5 from the northbound lane of Highway 521 when he was struck by a vehicle. Life-saving efforts were administered on scene and Assistant Chief Straight was then transported to Springs Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

  

Our condolences to the Straight Family & Friends, Charlotte Road-Van Wyck Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Assistant Fire Dennis Straight’s passing. 

   

To date, 77 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 11.03.2018

On November 3, 2018 while driving his personal vehicle to the fire station to respond to a structure fire, Firefighter Dustin Grubbs , 34, was involved in a motor vehicle accident. During the accident, the vehicle left the road during a turn, hit a light pole and flipped over. Firefighter Dustin Grubbs passed away on scene from the injuries sustained.

  

Our condolences to the Grubbs Family & Friends, Magee Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Dustin Grubbs' passing.   

   

To date, 76 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Oregon Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.16.2018

On October 16, 2018, Fire Chief Glenn Harman, 64, was found deceased at the fire department. Fire Chief Harman had been reviewing station reports when he was discovered collapsed at his computer.

  

Our condolences to the Harman Family & Friends, Rocky Point Fire & EMS, and to all affected by Fire Chief Glenn Harman’s passing.   

   

To date, 75 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 10.24.2018

On October 24, 2018, California Office of Emergency Services Assistant Fire Chief Ken Hood, 50, suffered an acute medical emergency during a multi-agency coordination meeting in Quincy, CA. He received immediate assistance from the Quincy Fire Department and other public safety professionals who were attending the meeting.  Despite a valiant effort by first responders and then emergency room personnel, Assistant Fire Chief Ken Hood passed away hours later at the Plumas District Hospital in Quincy, CA.. 

  

Our condolences to the Hood Family & Friends, California Office of Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue Division, and to all affected by Assistant Fire Chief Ken Hood’s passing.   

   

To date, 74 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Iowa Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.20.2018

At approximately 2:40 p.m. on October. 20, 2018, Fire Chief Tom Henrich, 58, responded with Earling Fire and Rescue Department units to a combine and field fire. While on scene, Chief Henrich fell ill. CPR was administered and Chief Henrich was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death. 

  

Our condolences to the Henrich Family & Friends, Earling Fire and Rescue Department, and to all affected by Fire Chief Tom Henrich’s passing.  

   

To date, 73 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Arizona Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.17.2018

On Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, Probationary Firefighter Joshua Eugin, 36, was participating in a multi-department training exercise. Eugin was taking part in a "blackout drill," in which firefighters simulate rescuing victims inside a dark structure with fake smoke. Eugin collapsed while on-scene and fellow firefighters performed CPR.  He was taken to the hospital where he died a short time later.  The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported. 

  

Our condolences to the Eugin Family & Friends, Saint David Fire District, and to all affected by Probationary Firefighter Joshua Eugin’s passing.  

   

To date, 72 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Virginia Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.11.2018

On Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, at approximately 2100hrs, the Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a fatality at southbound I-295, north of exit 38B.
    
The trooper’s preliminary investigation revealed that Hanover County Fire and EMS was on-scene providing assistance with a two-vehicle crash with all of its emergency equipment activated, when a tractor trailer traveling southbound struck the engine in the rear.
   
A total of three Fire and EMS personnel were injured in the crash with one of them, Lieutenant Brad Clark, 43, succumbing to his injuries at the scene. The other two were transported to the hospital with serious injuries sustained at the scene from the crash. The driver of the tractor trailer had to be extricated from the cab of the truck and was transported for treatment with serious injuries.

   
Our condolences to the Clark Family & Friends, Hanover County Fire and EMS - Station 6, and to all affected by Lieutenant Brad Clark’s passing.  

   

To date, 71 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 10.04.2018

On Oct. 3, 2018  Firefighter Russell Hayes, 62, while driving a department truck, was on his way to have a pump inspected for annual certification. Hayes lost control of the vehicle, veered to the right side of the road, then overcorrected as he tried to get back, causing it to travel off the left side of the road and overturn. Firefighter Hayes was air lifted to the Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO, where he later died from injuries sustained in the accident.
   
Our condolences to the Hayes Family & Friends, El Dorado Springs Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Russell Hayes’ passing. 

   

To date, 70 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 09.22.2018

On Septeber 22, 2018 Firefighter Robert James Phillips II, 62, responded to two emergency incidents, the last one being a motor vehicle accident at approximately 11:30 a.m.  On September 23, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Firefighter Phillips was found unresponsive by his wife at his residence. She called 911 and the Memphis Fire Department responded, but Robert James Phillips II was pronounced dead at the scene. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.
   
Our condolences to the Phillips Family & Friends, Memphis Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Robert James Phillips' II passing. 

To date, 69 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 09.07.2018

At approximately 4 p.m. on Septber 7, 2018 Assistant Fire Chief David Fischer, 43, responded with the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department and other local first-responders to a residential structure fire in Tilford, South Dakota. Upon arrival, firefighters found a single-family home that was fully involved in fire. The intense fire ignited several outbuildings on the property and threatened nearby propane tanks.
    
Firefighters made their initial attack, sent out a mutual aid call, and evacuated nearby residents. Soon after, responders were informed of a resident that was unaccounted for and last seen in the involved residence. As firefighters continued to fight the fire and attempted to locate the missing resident, a nearby propane tank experienced a catastrophic failure causing a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion, or BLEVE.  The explosion instantly killed 2018 Assistant Fire Chief David Fischer . In addition, the remains of the missing resident, an 82 year-old male, were found the following morning.
   
Our condolences to the Fischer Family & Friends, Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Assistant Fire Chief David Fischer’s passing. 

To date, 68 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Oregon Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.04.2018

Firefighter II Eric Christopher Aarseth, 20, worked the Horns Mountain Fire in Washington on August 27, 2018 and was released at 6:00 p.m.  On August 28, 2018 Firefighter Aarseth was found unresponsive at his home in Oregon. Reports indicate that Firefighter Aarseth developed pneumonia which became septic. Firefighter Aarseth was treated at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Springfield, Oregon, but was taken off life support on Sept. 3 after suffering irreversible damage to his organs. Eric Christopher Aarseth passed away early the following morning on September 4, 2018.
   
Our condolences to the Aarseth Family & Friends, Miller Timber Services, and to all affected by Firefighter II Eric Christopher Aarseth’s passing. 

To date, 67 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Maryland Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.01.2018

On September 1, 2018 Assistant Fire Chief Daniel "Danny" Lister, 34, was operating at the scene of a motor vehicle accident with multiple medical patients on Maryland Route 404 at Old Queen Anne Road and suffered a medical emergency. Resuscitation efforts on scene were unsuccessful and Assistant Fire Chief Lister passed away at the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health at Easton.
   
Our condolences to the Lister Family & Friends, Queen Anne-Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Company, and to all affected by Assistant Fire Chief Daniel "Danny" Lister’s passing. 

To date, 66 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 08.23.2018

Fire Chief Michael Reese, 53, responded to a vehicle accident during the early morning hours on August 23, 2018. Several hours later that day, Chief Reese suddenly passed away at his home. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.
   
Our condolences to the Reese Family & Friends, Willow Street Fire Company, and to all affected by Fire Chief Michael Reese’s passing. 

To date, 65 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Utah Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.13.2018

On August 13, 2018 Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett, 42, was injured while on the fire line of the Ranch Fire, a part of the Mendocino Complex Fire north of San Francisco, California. Battalion Chief Burchett was airlifted to a local hospital where he passed away from the injuries he sustained. The nature and cause of the fatal injury are still to be reported. Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett was one of five firefighters sent from the Draper City Fire Department in Utah to help fight the California wildland fires through a mutual aid agreement with CAL FIRE.
   
Our condolences to the Burchett Family & OrDraper City Fire Department, and to all affected by Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett’s passing. 

To date, 64 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 08.13.2018

On Aug. 13, 2018 at 11:09 a.m., Assistant Chief Jeff Holden, 32, responded to a rescue call for a trapped person that required him to enter a trench on West Ten Road in Efland, North Carolina. At 2:50 p.m., while still working his shift, Assistant Chief Holden was found unresponsive at the fire station. All attempts to revive him by the crew on shift and additional emergency workers were unsuccessful. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.
   
Our condolences to the Holden Family & Orange Rural Fire Department, and to all affected by Assistant Chief Jeff Holden’s passing. 

To date, 63 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Oklahoma Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.10.2018

On August 10, 2018 Assistant Chief Madison "Maddy" Lee Clinton, Jr., 54, was engaged in fire suppression activities at a residential structure fire.  During the operation, the structure collapsed and pinned him under the roof.  Assistant Chief Clinton died at the scene.
   
Our condolences to the Clinton Family & Friends, Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Assistant Chief Madison "Maddy" Lee Clinton, Jr.’s passing. 

To date, 62 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 08.09.2018

On August 9, 2018, at approximately 00:19 hrs., in a single vehicle crash, Heavy Equipment Mechanic Andrew Brake, 40, the sole occupant, had been driving northbound on Highway 99 when the CAL FIRE support vehicle ran off the road, hit a tree and burst into flames. The collision happened near Los Molinos in Tehama County. Heavy Equipment Mechanic Andrew Brake was assigned to work the Carr Fire burning in Shasta and Trinity counties.  

Our condolences to the Brake Family & Friends, CAL FIRE, and to all affected by Heavy Equipment Mechanic Andrew Brake’s passing. 

To date, 61 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Georgia Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.08.2018

On August 8, 2018 Firefighter Barry Everett, 42, worked a 24-shift and responded to multiple emergencies, the last emergency being at 0000 hrs. During shift change, at 0800hrs, Firefighter Barry Everett was found deceased in bed at the fire station. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.  

Our condolences to the Everett Family & Friends, DeKalb County Fire Rescue, and to all affected by Chief Firefighter Barry Everett’s passing.  

To date, 60 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 08.02.2018

On July 30, 2018, Chief Engineer/Firefighter Pasquale "Pepper" DiBenedetto, 68, responded from his home to the firehouse for an activated CO alarm call. An in-station crew and the chief responded to investigate and found it due to a faulty battery.  Chief Engineer/Firefighter DiBenedetto stood-by in-station for additional calls and to place the apparatus back into service.  Upon completion, he then returned home.  The next morning, Engineer/Firefighter DiBenedetto complained that he wasn’t feeling well and had a friend transport him to a local hospital.  He suffered a massive stroke while en route, and required immediate surgery upon arrival.  Life-saving measures were unsuccessful and he passed away in the hospital on August 2, 2018.  

Our condolences to the DiBenedetto Family & Friends, Englishtown Fire Department, and to all affected by Chief Engineer/Firefighter Pasquale "Pepper" DiBenedetto’s passing.  

To date, 59 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 07.27.2018

On July 27, 2018 Firefighter/Bulldozer Operator Don Smith, 81, was operating his bulldozer while battling the Carr Fire in Northern California's Shasta County when he was overtaken by flames. Smith's body was found by emergency personnel in the area of Benson Drive and Rock Creek Road in Redding, California. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.  

Our condolences to the Smith Family & Friends, CAL FIRE, and to all affected by Firefighter/Bulldozer Operator Don Smith’s passing.  

To date, 58 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 07.26.2018

Fire Inspector Jeremy Stoke, 37, was killed when he was battling the Carr Fire in Northern California's Shasta County. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.  

Our condolences to the Stokes Family & Friends, Redding Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Inspector Jeremy Stoke's passing. 

To date, 57 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 07.29.2018

On July 29, 2018 Captain Brian Hughes, 33, and his crew were engaged in tactical fire operations on the east side of the Ferguson Fire in Mariposa County, California, when he was struck by a tree. Captain Hughes was treated on scene, but passed away from the injuries he sustained before he could be transported to a hospital.  

Our condolences to the Hughs Family & Friends, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and to all affected by Captain Brian Hughes' passing. 

To date, 56 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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: Maryland Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 07.23.2018

On July 23, 2018 at approximately 0200hrs, Firefighter Nathan Flynn responded with Howard County Fire and Rescue crews to a residential fire that began after a reported possible lightning strike. When crews arrived, heavy smoke was visible and firefighters began an interior attack on the home. While inside, Firefighter Flynn fell through the floor and a Mayday was called. Firefighter Nathan Flynn  was quickly removed by the Rapid Intervention Team and taken to Howard County General Hospital where he passed away as a result of his injuries.  

Our condolences to the Flynn Family & Friends, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, and to all affected by Firefighter Nathan Flynn's passing. 

To date, 55 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 07.14.2018

On June 14, 2018 while driving to an EMS training class, Firefighter Zachary J. Fazekas, 19, was involved in a single vehicle accident and ejected from his motorcycle. Firefighter Fazekas was pronounced dead at the scene from the injuries he sustained in the accident.  

Our condolences to the Fazekas Family & Friends, New Hyde Park Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Zachary J. Fazekas’ passing. 

To date, 54 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 07.14.2018

Firefighter/Equipment Operator Braden Varney, 36, was assigned to the Madera-Mariposa CAL FIRE unit, which has been fighting the 130-acre Ferguson Fire in the Sierra National Forest. On 07/14/2018, Firefighter/Equipment Operator Varney was working on a ridge to create a fire break. The bulldozer Varney was operating overturned and rolled down the ridge causing Varney to suffer fatal injuries. The wreckage was spotted by airplane on 07/15/2018 and crews reached the site and removed Varney's body on 07/16/2018. 
  
The accident is being investigated by Cal/OSHA.
Incident Location: Mariposa County, in the Sierra National Forest and near the west end of Yosemite National Park. 

Our condolences to the Varney Family & Friends, CAL FIRE, and to all affected by Firefighter/Equipment Operator Braden Varney’s passing. 

To date, 53 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 07.04.2018

While riding as a passenger in a brush truck, at a parade in a nearby town, Lieutenant Michael F. Cherubini became ill.  His wife, who is also a member of the department and was the driver of the brush truck, immediately drove home.  Lieutenant Cherubini was helped inside of his house by his wife and collapsed soon after.  The nature and cause of the medical emergency has yet to be determined.

Our condolences to the Cherubini Family & Friends, Hague Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Lieutenant Michael F. Cherubini’s passing. 

To date, 52 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 07.10.2018

On July 10, 2018 Captain Cory Barr, 34, responded with crews to a report of a natural gas leak after a contractor struck a natural gas main in downtown Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. After the firefighters, along with law enforcement, arrived on scene to investigate the source of the leak and evacuate the area, there was an explosion that leveled multiple buildings. Captain Barr suffered injuries after being knocked down under a rubble pile as a result of the explosion and was transported by Sun Prairie EMS to UW Madison where he later passed away. A second firefighter was also injured in the explosion and is in critical, but stable, condition. A third firefighter with a minor injury was also admitted to a hospital. Three additional firefighters, one police officer, and seven civilians also suffered minor injuries.

Our condolences to the Barr Family & Friends, Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Cory Barr’s passing.    

To date, 51 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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 07.04.2018

On July 4, 2018 while responding to a reported traffic incident, Firefighter Michael Goodnight, 55, was involved in a two motor vehicle accident and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other adult civilians in the second vehicle involved in the accident had to be extricated from their vehicle and were airlifted to a hospital. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the accident.

Our condolences to the Goodnight Family & Friends, West Liberty Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Michael Goodnight’s passing.    

To date, 50 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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.)