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.
