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 11.17.2020

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: 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.

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: 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.23.2020

On Friday, July 31, 2020, Captain Joseph Liedel, 48, while in the process of responding to a medical call, left his residence to get into his vehicle when he collapsed next to it.  He was immediately rushed to the Monroe Promedica Regional Hospital and then flown to Toledo Promedica Hospital for further care.  Captain Liedel passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2020, from a CVA.   

Our condolences to the Liedel Family & Friends, Monroe Charter Township Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Joseph Liedel's passing.    

To date, 55 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 08.18.2020

Captain Bryant Anderson, 45, during his official tour of duty, came in contact with persons treating patients who were COVID-19 positive and exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.  Captain Anderson remained at home for several days attempting to recover, but his condition worsened until he was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. He was treated in the Intensive Care Unit for several weeks, until being placed on a ventilator.  Captain Anderson passed away from complications related to the virus on August 18, 2020.  

Our condolences to the Anderson Family & Friends, City of Converse, TX Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Bryant Anderson's passing.    

To date, 54 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 07.20.2020

On July 20, 2020, Captain Leroy Lucio, 62, was battling the COVID-19 virus at a local hospital in San Antonio, TX, when he passed away.  Captain Lucio contracted the virus from exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace.

  

Our condolences to Lucio Family & Friends, Houston Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Captain Leroy Lucio's passing.

   

To date, 45 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: American Samoa Firefighters On-Duty Death Notification 04.30.2020

After responding to a residential fire, Captain Mike Tipoti, 44, and Captain Allen Velega, 50, were returning to the firehouse when the apparatus they were in crashed at a sharp curve after coming down a mountain road. Captain Tipoti, who was driving the apparatus, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Captain Velega was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival at the hospital emergency room.

  

Our condolences to the Tipoti and Velega Families & Friends, American Samoa Fire Bureau Division of the Department of Public Safety, and to all affected by Deputy Fire Chief Ciocca's passing.

   

To date, 30 and 31 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, Captain Figueroa, On-Duty Death Notification 02.18.2020

On Tuesday afternoon, February 18, 2020, at approximately 1614hrs., firefighters from the Porterville Fire Department, as well as the counties of King, Fresno, and Tulare, responded to a fire at the Porterville Public Library. Captain Ramon “Ray” Figueroa, 35, and Firefighter Patrick Jones, 25, perished in the blaze.  Two teen boys have been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire. Investigation into the incident continues.

Our condolences to the Figueroa Family & Friends, Porterville Fire Department, and to all affected by  Captain Ramon “Ray” Figueroa's passing.

   

To date, 12 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 12.03.2019

On Monday, December 2, 2019, at approximately 2000hrs., Captain Michael Christopher Malinowski Sr., 40, responded to a call of reported downed wires and trees.  After returning to the station, he complained to his fellow firefighters that he wasn’t feeling well.  The next day, Tuesday, December 3, 2019, while at work, Captain Michael Christopher Malinowski Sr. became ill and was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away a short time later from an apparent heart attack.

Our condolences to the Malinowski Family & Friends, Morton-Rutledge Volunteer Fire Company Station 13, and to all affected by Captain Michael Christopher Malinowski Sr.‘s passing.

   

To date, 56 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2019. 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: Calfornia Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.02.2019

On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, Captain Paul Rotondaro, 36, while on-duty, left the Merced County fire station to go to the Usona fire station.  Driving a Ford Ranger, Captain Paul Rotondaro was hit by another truck, causing his truck to leave the road and catch fire, killing him instantly.

Our condolences to the Rotondaro Family & Friends, CALFIRE, and to all affected by Captain Paul Rotondaro’s passing.

   

To date, 40 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2019. 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 09.20.2019

On September 20, 2019, While operating a fire department vehicle, Captain Claud Messer, 74, was involved in a vehicle accident on Jonathan Creek Road (Highway 276 North) as he responded to another emergency traffic accident call. Captain Claud Messer passed away as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident.

Our condolences to the Messer Family & Friends, Jonathan Creek Fire and Rescue, and to all affected by Captain Claud Messer’s passing.

   

To date, 35 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2019. 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: Maine Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.16.2019

On September 16, 2019 employees inside of a recently renovated two-story administrative office for Life Enrichment Advancing People (LEAP) Inc., a nonprofit that helps adults with developmental, cognitive, and intellectual disabilities, made an emergency call reporting that they smelled propane. No patients were inside and all employees inside of the building evacuated immediately. Captain Michael Bell, 68, responded with the Farmington Fire Rescue to the emergency call. Soon after firefighters arrived on scene and began to investigate, there was an explosion that leveled the building. Captain Bell was killed as a result of injuries sustained in the explosion. Six other firefighters, including the fire chief, and a maintenance worker were reportedly injured and transported to hospitals around the state.

Our condolences to the Bell Family & Friends, Farmington Fire Rescue, and to all affected by Captain Michael Bell’s passing. 

   

To date, 34 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2019. 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 03.27.2019

On March 27, 2019 while helping with an aerial delivered prescribed burn in the Sam Houston National Forest in Texas, Captain Daniel Laird’s, 41, helicopter went down. Captain  Laird passed away from the injuries he sustained in the crash. Other crew members sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

  

Our condolences to the Laird Family & Friends, United States Forest Service - Tahoe National Forest, and to all affected by Captain Daniel Laird’s passing.     

   

To date, 09 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2019. 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 03.05.2019

On March 5, 2019, while at the scene of a residential structure fire, Jacob "Jake" Ringering, 37, and three additional firefighters were injured when a portion of the structure collapsed as they attacked the fire. Captain Ringering was taken to the hospital where he passed away from the injuries he sustained. One of the additional firefighters was flown by helicopter to the hospital where he is in stable condition. The two remaining firefighters were treated and released.

  

Our condolences to the Ringering Family & Friends, Godfrey Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Captain Jacob "Jake" Ringering’s passing.     

   

To date, 07 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2019. 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: Maine Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 03.01.2019

Captain Joel Barnes, 32, was one of five firefighters who went into a three-story apartment building to fight a four-alarm fire. While inside the structure, conditions rapidly worsened. Three of the firefighters were able to escape. Captain Barnes and one other firefighter became trapped in a room of a third-floor apartment. While waiting to be rescued, Captain Barnes reportedly used his body to shield the other firefighter from the intense fire. Upon rescue, Captain Barnes was unresponsive, and EMTs and other colleagues immediately performed life-saving measures on him. Captain Barnes was then transported to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital where he was pronounced deceased from the injuries he sustained. The four other firefighters were treated and released by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

  

Our condolences to the Barnes Family & Friends, Berwick Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Joel Barnes’s passing.     

   

To date, 06 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2019. 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 12.31.2018

Captain Christopher Truman, 46, stopped to assist individuals involved in a single-vehicle accident. While assisting, Truman was hit by another vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital where he passed away from his injuries.

  

Our condolences to the Truman Family & Friends, Lake Mills Fire Department Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Christopher Truman’s passing.    

   

To date, 86 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 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.)