USFA LODD: Oklahoma Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.24.2020

  

On December 9, 2020, Major Andrew “Andy” P. Davis, 45, contracted COVID-19 while providing emergency medical care to a patient who had tested positive for the virus. Major Davis passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020.

Our condolences to the Davis Family & Friends, Oklahoma City Fire Department, and to all affected by Major Andrew “Andy” P. Davis' passing.    

To date, 91 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 conclusivei n any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Pennsylvania Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.16.2020

 

Firefighter Edward Hine, 79, while performing in-station duties, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, from the virus.

Our condolences to the Hine Family & Friends, Colonial Park Fire Company, and to all affected by Firefighter Edward Hine's passing.    

To date, 90 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 conclusivei n any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Pennsylvania Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.11.2020

 

Chief Emeritus/Firefighter Lee Witman, 63, while performing in-station duties, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020, from the virus.  

Our condolences to the Witman Family & Friends, Colonial Park Fire Company, and to all affected by Chief Emeritus/Firefighter Lee Witman's passing.    

To date, 89 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 conclusivei n any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Alabama Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.06.2020

On November 17, 2020, Firefighter Donald Downs, 69, while attending mandatory training for the fire department, contracted COVID-19 from attendees at the exercise. He passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from the virus.

Our condolences to the Downs Family & Friends, Saragossa Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Donald Downs' passing.    

To date, 88 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 conclusivei n any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Wisconsin Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.06.2020

Firefighter/Fire Inspector David Jerald Tomlinson, 71, contracted COVID-19 while performing fire inspections for the department.

Our condolences to the Tomlinson Family & Friends, Scales Mound Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Firefighter/Fire Inspector David Jerald Tomlinson's passing.    

To date, 87 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 conclusivei n any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Texas Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.17.2020

While on duty, Captain Randy Robinson, 64, contracted COVID-19 at the fire station. He passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020, from the virus.

Our condolences to the Robinson Family & Friends, Scales Mound Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Captain Randy Robinson's passing.    

To date, 86 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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: Illinois Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.10.2020

On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at approximately 2200hrs, Captain Leo W. Werner, 67, responded to a medical call at a residence. After returning home, he suffered an apparent heart attack and passed away shortly after midnight on Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Our condolences to the Werner Family & Friends, Scales Mound Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Captain Leo W. Werner's passing.    

To date, 85 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 12.11.2020

Chief Robert “Rob” Orkies, 55, developed COVID-19 while on-duty from a fellow firefighter with a known case of the virus. He passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020.

Our condolences to the Orkies Family & Friends, Zoneton Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Chief Robert “Rob” Orkies's passing.    

To date, 84 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 09.02.2020

On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Fire Police Captain/1st Vice President of the Spring Brook Fire District #1 Donald E. Trzepacz, Sr., 67, attended a mandatory meeting at the fire department to review and discuss new recruitment applications. He informed the 2nd Vice President that he was not feeling well, left the meeting, and returned home. He was found deceased from an apparent heart attack the next morning.

Our condolences to the Trzepacz Family & Friends, Spring Brook Fire District #1, and to all affected by Fire Police Captain Donald E. Trzepacz's passing.    

To date, 83 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 11.27.2020

 

On the morning of Friday, November 27, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Alan Basso, 59, responded to two medical emergency calls, the last one dispatched at 0848hrs. Later that day, at 1355hrs, Basso was driving in the downtown area of Kalama when his vehicle collided with several parked vehicles. He was unconscious and not breathing, suffering a cardiac arrest. Citizen CPR was immediately initiated by a nearby off-duty Portland firefighter, 911 was summonsed, and Cowlitz County Fire District 5 resources arrived on-scene. Immediate advance life support measures were administered, and Basso was then transported to PeaceHealth St. Johns Medical Center where, despite all efforts, he was pronounced deceased.

Our condolences to the Basso Family & Friends, Cowlitz County Fire District 5 and to all affected by Firefighter/EMT Alan Basso's passing.    

To date, 82 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 11.22.2020

At 1900hrs on Sunday, November 22, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Robert Cree, 72, responded to a medical emergency at a residence. Upon returning home, at approximately 2010hrs, Firefighter/EMT Cree collapsed from an apparent heart attack. Crews arrived at his home and immediately performed CPR. Despite all efforts, he could not be resuscitated and passed away.

Our condolences to the Cree Family & Friends, Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/EMT Robert Cree's passing.    

To date, 81 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 11.21.2020

 

While on-duty, Captain Robert “Bobby” Rocha, 59, contracted COVID-19 from a patient with a known case of COVID-19. He was hospitalized on November 12, 2020 and passed away from the virus on November 21, 2020. 

Our condolences to the Rocha Family & Friends, Kansas City, MO Fire Department Fire Department , and to all affected by Captain Robert “Bobby” Rocha's passing.    

To date, 80 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 11.18.2020

On Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at approximately 2100hrs., Firefighter Michael Buitendorp, 40, driving a fire department tender, was responding to the scene of a camper fire in Otto Township when he lost consciousness. The firefighter who was with him was able to stop the fire apparatus and call for help. Grant Township firefighters and EMS personnel immediately performed life-saving measures. Firefighter Buitendorp was then transported to the Mercy Health Lakeshore Hospital where attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. The cause of his death is under investigation. 

Our condolences to the Buitendorp Family & Friends, Grant Township Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Michael Buitendorp's passing.    

To date, 79 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 11.17.2020

While responding with the Blissfield Fire Department to a barn fire, Captain Joseph “Joe” Gallo, 34, was driving a Chevy Impala with emergency lights activated. As he drove on a gravel portion of the road, he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled and Captain Gallo was ejected. He was transported to the Toledo Hospital where, after all attempts at resuscitation were exhausted, Captain Gallo was pronounced deceased from injuries sustained. He was a Paid-on-Call Captain with the Blissfield Township Fire Department and a Part-time Firefighter/EMT with the Madison Township Fire Department. 

Our condolences to the Gallo Family & Friends, Blissfield Township Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Joseph “Joe” Gallo's passing.    

To date, 78 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 11.16.2020

 
Interim Assistant Fire Chief Sean Laffan, 42, collapsed in an office of the Oakland Fire Department’s administrative building. Staff on-site began performing life-saving measures until Laffan was taken by ambulance to Summit Medical Center in Oakland. Later that evening, Laffan suffered a prolonged cardiac arrest and, despite all resuscitative efforts, passed away.  

Our condolences to the Laffan Family & Friends, Oakland Fire Department, and to all affected by Interim Assistant Fire Chief Sean Laffan's passing.    

To date, 77 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 11.14.2020

Engineer D. Matthew Bennett, 49, drove Engine 1 to a possible structural collapse after a car drove into a home. Upon his arrival and as crews began to work, Bennett complained to the EMS Duty Officer on scene that he was experiencing chest pains. The EMS Duty Officer escorted Bennett to an ambulance to be evaluated. Bennett was then transported to a hospital and immediately taken into surgery. Despite all efforts, however, Bennett passed away the following afternoon. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined. 

Our condolences to the Bennett Family & Friends, Indianapolis Fire Department, and to all affected by Engineer D. Matthew Bennett's passing.    

To date, 76 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 11.08.2020

On Sunday, November 8, 2020, Firefighter Johnny Ivison, Jr., 23, was responding to a call of a residential fire in Easton, Kansas, in his privately owned vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado Truck, when the vehicle went off the road. Firefighter Ivison attempted to correct his path, but overcorrected causing the truck to roll over numerous times, ejecting him from the vehicle. He died from the injuries sustained in the crash.

Our condolences to the Ivison Family & Friends, Easton Township Fire Department , and to all affected by Firefighter Johnny Ivison, Jr.'s passing.    

To date, 75 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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.

Day 08 Audio Month 2020 - Anchor Morning Audio🎙️🔊⚓🌊 : Firefighting Robot

USFA LODD: Georgia Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.02.2020

 

Firefighter Harold Boone, 49, while on-duty at the fire station, contracted COVID-19 from fellow firefighters who had subsequently tested positive for the virus. He passed away from the disease on November 2, 2020. 

Our condolences to the Bruce Family & Friends, Houston Fire Department, and to all affected by Arson Investigator Lemuel Bruce's passing.    

To date, 74 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 10.16.2020

During the early morning hours of Friday, October 16, 2020, Arson Investigator Lemuel Bruce, 44, and other members of the Arson Division, Houston Fire Department, tracked down a possible lead to arsons being set in the Houston area. When they arrived at the Timbergrove neighborhood, a suspect fatally shot Arson Investigator Bruce. The suspect was discovered deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Our condolences to the Bruce Family & Friends, Houston Fire Department, and to all affected by Arson Investigator Lemuel Bruce's passing.    

To date, 73 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 10.17.2020

While on duty, Captain Keith Obrian Williams, 54, was found unresponsive by fellow firefighters at the Camilla Fire Department early on October 17, 2020. Life-saving efforts began immediately but were not successful. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined. 

Our condolences to the Williams Family & Friends, Camilla Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Keith Obrian Williams' passing.    

To date, 72 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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.

Owego Hose Team takes on new restoration project

 

Owego Hose Team takes on new restoration project https://t.co/8gqwfs8eni @WBNG12News @WEBOradio @NewsRadio1290 @BinghamtonNow #FireNews

— TFPFP (@TFPFP) October 17, 2020

USFA LODD: Pennsylvania Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.01.2020

On Thursday, October 1, 2020, Firefighter Edward “Gary” Minnick, 65 was responding to an oil leak at a gas station.  While in the utility truck at the fire department, he suffered a medical emergency and paramedics immediately performed life saving measures.  All resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and he passed away from an apparent heart attack.   

Our condolences to the Minnick Family & Friends, Colmar Volunteer Fire Company, and to all affected by Firefighter Edward “Gary” Minnick's passing.  

To date, 71 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 10.07.2020

 

On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, Firefighter/Paramedic Jason Cortez, 42, was participating in a drill at the Mission District Training Facility when he was injured.  Paramedics started immediate care and transported him to the San Francisco General Hospital Trauma Center where he succumbed to his injuries just before 1100hrs.  An investigation into this accident is underway and the cause of his death has not yet been determined.   

Our condolences to the Cortez Family & Friends, San Francisco Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Jason Cortez's passing.  

To date, 70 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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: Illinois Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.30.2020

On Wednesday, September 30, 2020, Firefighter/Paramedic Dylan Cunningham, 29, was participating in a dive training exercise at the Haigh Quarry in Kankakee, IL, when he was found by fellow firefighters in distress.  He was immediately taken to the Amita St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee and later transported to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL where he passed away a short time later.  The cause of his death has not yet been determined and the incident is under investigation.      

Our condolences to the Cunningham Family & Friends, South Holland Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Dylan Cunningham's passing. 

To date, 69 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 09.22.2020

Ricky Fulton died in a plane crash while help battling a wildfire. Now, he is being remembered as a "kitten whisperer."

On September 22, 2020, Firefighter/Pilot Ricky Fulton, 58, died after his single-engine air tanker crashed while he was fighting the Schill Fire near Emmett, Idaho. The crash occurred under unknown circumstances and remains under investigation. The aircraft that Firefighter/Pilot Fulton was flying, T-857, was owned by Aero S.E.A.T. Incorporated and was on an on-call contract with BLM Fire and Aviation at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. The Schill Fire started the afternoon of September 22, 2020, in brush and steep terrain. It was contained later that night after it burned about 30 acres. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

Our condolences to the Fulton Family & Friends, Aero S.E.A.T. Incorporated, and to all affected by Firefighter/Pilot Ricky Fulton's passing.

To date, 68 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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: West Virginia Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.23.2020

While on duty, Fire Chief Richard “Rick” Todd, 58, responded to an EMS call where an individual had a known case of COVID-19.  Fire Chief Todd subsequently contracted the virus and passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

Our condolences to the Todd Family & Friends, Saltem Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Chief Richard “Rick” Todd's passing.

To date, 67 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 09.23.2020

In the early morning hours of September 23, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Charles Woods, 58, responded to a residential fire in Marion, VA, with the Adwolfe Volunteer Fire Department. Upon arrival, the occupant of the residence was secured and fire suppression activities began. During operations, Firefighter/EMT Woods was found unresponsive in a tanker after having filled it from a nearby fire hydrant and completing several other on-scene duties. Crews at the scene immediately provided lifesaving efforts and transported Firefighter/EMT Woods to Smyth County Community Hospital. All attempts to revive Firefighter/EMT Woods, however, were not successful. 

Our condolences to the Woods Family & Friends, Adwolfe Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/EMT Charles Woods' passing.

To date, 66 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 09.22.2020

 

Deputy Chief Jason Dean, 42, tested positive for the COVID-19 virus on August 12, 2020, while working a shift at the Clayton Fire Department after exposure on the job. On August 18, 2020, Deputy Chief Dean was admitted to the hospital for complications due to COVID-19. Deputy Chief Dean remained under hospital care until September 22, 2020, when he succumbed to the virus.  

Our condolences to the Dean Family & Friends, Clayton Fire Department, and to all affected by Deputy Chief Jason Dean's passing.

To date, 65 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 09.17.2020

Firefighter Charles Morton, 39, Squad Boss on the Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Crew, died during interagency fire suppression activities on the El Dorado Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest in California on September 17, 2020. The Big Bear Hotshots are local to the San Bernardino National Forest.  

Our condolences to the Morton Family & Friends, San Bernardino National Forest Big Bear Hotshots, and to all affected by Firefighter Charles Morton's passing.  

To date, 64 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 09.18.2020

On May 2, 2020, while responding to a structure fire, Second Assistant Fire Chief James P. Brooks Jr., 45, thought he pulled a muscle. While tending to his duties when at the scene, Brooks started to feel intense pain. He was transported to the Rutland Regional Medical Center in Vermont where it was determined that he suffered a torn aorta. He was then airlifted to the University of Vermont Medical Center. During this hospital stay, Brooks suffered multiple complications including a blood clot, kidney damage, and a heart attack. A subsequent emergency operation resulted in Brooks experiencing three strokes that left him confined to a wheelchair with only the use of his right arm. Brooks was eventually released from the hospital on July 31, 2020. Brooks passed away, however, at his sister’s residence on September 18, 2020.   

Our condolences to the Brooks Family & Friends, Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company, and to all affected by Second Assistant Fire Chief James P. Brooks Jr.'s passing.  

To date, 63 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 09.13.2020

On September 9, 2020, at approximately 3:00 am, Fire Captain Frazier Lee Holbert, 57, went to bed at the fire station after returning from an emergency call. Soon thereafter, he suffered a stroke. Fellow firefighters later found Holbert unresponsive and transported him to a local hospital. He was subsequently transported to another hospital where he passed away on September 13, 2020.   

Our condolences to the Holbert Family & Friends, Carrollton Fire Rescue, and to all affected by Captain Frazier Lee Holbert's passing.  

To date, 62 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 09.08.2020

 

On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Captain Thomas Searcy, 45, was battling COVID-19 when he passed away in the Intensive Care Unit at the Memorial Hermann Hospital. He had been hospitalized for a month fighting the virus. Captain Searcy contracted COVID-19 from exposure in the workplace from numerous fire and EMS calls he responded to where individuals had been diagnosed with the disease. 

Our condolences to the Stearcy Family & Friends, Houston Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Thomas Searcy's passing.

To date, 61 firefighter fatalities reported to USFA in 2020. 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 08.31.2020

 

On Monday, August 31, 2020, Firefighter Diane Jones, 63, who worked for a private company during the wildland fire season, KL Farms/Fire LLC, was battling the wildfires in the Mendocino National Forest in California, when she was involved in a vehicle crash, along with two other firefighters.  Firefighter Jones was repositioning the engine when it backed over an embankment and into a fire.  She passed away from the injuries she sustained in the accident.  One of the two other firefighters is being treated for injuries sustained in the crash, while the third firefighter was uninjured.  Firefighter Diane Jones was a volunteer firefighter for the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department in Cresson, Texas.  Her son, Captain Ian Shelly, also a member of the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department, was fighting the wildfires in the Mendocino National Forest as well.

Our condolences to the Jones Family & Friends, SKL Farms/Fire LLC, and to all affected by Firefighter Diane Jones's passing.    

To date, 60 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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: Montana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.24.2020

 

On Monday, August 24, 2020, Pilot Thomas Duffy, 40, flying a Type 1 Kmax helicopter, was conducting bucket drops while battling the White River Fire in Mount Hood National Forest, when his helicopter crashed.  He worked for Central Copters, Inc., a private family run company out of Belgrade, Montana, as a wildland-contract pilot for the U.S. Forest Service.  The official cause of the crash is under investigation. 

Our condolences to the Duffy Family & Friends, Central Copters, Inc., and to all affected by Firefighter Pilot Thomas Duffy's passing.    

To date, 59 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 Hampshire Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.31.2020

On Monday, August 31, 2020, during a mandated physical fitness ability test at the New Hampshire Fire Academy in Concord, New Hampshire, Interim Captain Steven W. Tower, 54, became ill and collapsed.  Aid was rendered to him and he was immediately transported to the local hospital where he passed away a short time later.  The cause of his death is under investigation.  Interim Captain Steven W. Tower retired four years ago from the Goffstown Fire Department after 30 years of service.  The town had asked him to come back as the Interim Fire Chief.  When Fire Chief Brian H. Allard was hired, he asked Interim Captain Tower to remain with the department and help with logistics.  At the time of Interim Captain Tower’s passing, he was taking a mandated physical fitness ability test in order to become a full-time Captain again with the department.  During his time as Interim Captain, he responded to fire incidents and was assigned exterior firefighting duties. 

Our condolences to the Tower Family & Friends, Goffstown Fire Department, and to all affected by Interim Captain Steven W. Tower's passing. 

To date, 58 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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 08.23.2020

 

On August 17, 2020, Firefighter David Closs, Sr., 67, and other firefighters from the Avis Fire Company #1, responded to a residential structure fire. Firefighter Closs was working scene safety a short distance away from the actual structure fire when he suffered a medical emergency and was immediately taken to the local hospital.  He passed away on August 23, 2020 from an apparent heart attack.  

Our condolences to the Closs Family & Friends, Avis Fire Company #1, and to all affected by Firefighter David Closs, Sr.'s passing.    

To date, 57 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. 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.