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: Illinois Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 04.14.2020

Firefighter Edward Singleton contracted COVID-19 during the course of his official duties at the firehouse.

  

Our condolences to Singleton Family & Friends, Chicago Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Edward Singleton's passing.

   

To date, 36 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 04.29.2020

Firefighter/Paramedic Robert David Reisinger, 57, responded to a medical emergency on March 24, 2020.  The patient had a known case of COVID-19.  Firefighter/Paramedic Reisinger subsequently contracted the virus.  He was quarantined at home and was scheduled to return to work on Wednesday, April 29, 2020.  Monday evening, April 27, 2020, he suffered a stroke and was immediately taken to the hospital.  Upon arrival, hospital staff performed a COVID-19 test which came back positive.  Firefighter/Paramedic Reisinger passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 from the stroke that was attributed to COVID-19.
  

Our condolences to the Reisinger Family & Friends, River Grove Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Robert David Reisinger's passing.

   

To date, 28 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 04.07.2020

While on official duty, Firefighter Mario Araujo, 49, contracted COVID-19 from exposure from a patient with a known case of COVID-19.

Our condolences to the Araujo Family & Friends, Chicago Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Mario Araujo's passing.

   

To date, 24 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 05.05.2019

Firefighter Kody Vanfossan, 24, responded to a multi-alarm two-story vacant structure fire in Christopher, Illinois. Upon arrival, heavy smoke could be seen coming out of the top floor of the structure. Firefighter Vanfossan, along with a second firefighter, began an interior attack on the fire. An additional firefighter later called for the two firefighters to exit the building. As the two firefighters started down steps in the rear of the building, the steps collapsed. While the second firefighter was able to make it out of the building, a Mayday was issued for Firefighter Vanfossan. Firefighter Kody Vanfossan was recovered from the building and placed into an ambulance where he was pronounced deceased. Investigation into the incident continues.

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

   

To date, 15 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: Illinois Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 05.28.2018

While searching for a 28-year-old man who fell off of a boat into the South Branch of the Chicago River, Firefighter/EMT Juan J. Bucio, 46, became separated from his dive partner and went missing. According to initial reports, Firefighter Bucio's dive partner immediately declared a Mayday and, along with other divers, began to search the river for Firefighter Bucio. After approximately 20 minutes, Firefighter Bucio was found and rescued from the river. Firefighter Bucio was then transported to the hospital where, despite all efforts to revive him by paramedics and hospital personnel, he was declared deceased.

Our condolences to the Bucio Family & Friends, Chicago Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/EMT Juan J. Bucio's passing.       

To date, 39 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: Illinois Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 06.10.2017

On June 10, 2017 while operating at a residential trailer home fire and working on the exterior to protect nearby exposures, Firefighter Lawrence W. Matthews, 35, fell ill and collapsed. Firefighter Matthews was immediately attended to by fellow responders and rushed to Ingalls Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

Our condolences to the Matthews Family & Friends, Village of Dolton Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Lawrence W. Matthews' passing. 

  

To date, 48 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: Illinois Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 02.08.2017

On  February 7, 2017 at 2345hrs while returning home from the station after working with his fire department on a motor vehicle accident response call, Firefighter John Michael “Mike” Cummins, 46, who had complained at the station of not feeling well, suffered a fatal medical injury, the nature of which is still to be reported, crashing into three parked cars as the privately owned vehicle he operated came to a stop. A passenger in the vehicle, a fellow firefighter, was not reported to have been seriously injured.

  
Our condolences to the Cummins Family & Friends, Homer Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Firefighter John Michael “Mike” Cummins’ passing.    

To date, 07 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: Illinois Fire Captain On-Duty Death Notification 07.12.2016

Fire Captain Eric Kohlbauer, 52, on July 12, 2016 at 1930hrs, was working with other members of his fire department on a pumper relay drill when he suddenly collapsed and fell face forward into a dump tank of water. Fellow responders immediately placed Captain Kohlbauer on the ground and rendered medical aid, including AED. Within minutes, Fire Captain Eric Kohlbauer was transported to the hospital where, despite all best efforts, he succumbed to his injury reported to have been an aortic rupture.

      

Our condolences to the Kohlbauer Family & Friends, Freeport Rural Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Fire Captain Eric Kohlbauer’s passing.   

    

To date, 41 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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/Paramedic On-Duty Death Notification 01.11.2016

Firefighter/Paramedic Kenneth K. Harris, 56, finished his shift on 01/11/16 at 0730hrs. During this shift, Firefighter Harris responded to multiple incidents with the last incident being at 0615hrs. At approximately 2030hrs that same day, Kenneth K. Harris suffered a cardiac arrest while at home and passed away from injuries sustained.

Our condolences to the Harris Family & Friends, Village of Oak Park Fire Department and all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Kenneth K. Harris' passing.

  
To date, 2 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. 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/Paramedic On-Duty Death Notification 12.14.2015

Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel V. Capuano, 42, on December 14, 2015 at 0243hrs, died from injuries sustained in a fall down an elevator shaft while operating with fire crews in heavy smoke conditions inside of a burning warehouse building. Firefighter/Paramedic Capuano was quickly removed from the building and into a waiting ambulance then taken to Christ Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The cause of the fatal fire incident remains under investigation by local and state authorities.

Our condolences to the Capuano Family & Friends, Chicago Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel V. Capuano’s passing.

To date, 80 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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/Paramedic On-Duty Death Notification 12.04.2015

Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Zielinski, 49, on December 4, 2015 at 1445hrs, responded to a medical incident for a male who was in cardiac arrest at a local retail store. While performing CPR on the patient, Firefighter/Paramedic Zielinski suffered a medical emergency. A second ambulance was summoned and Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Zielinski was taken to Franciscan St. James Hospital in Olympia Fields where, despite all efforts, Zielinski passed away from a reported cardiac related injury. 

Our condolences to the Zielinski Family & Friends, Matteson Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Zielinski’s passing.

To date, 77 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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 Fire Chief On-Duty Death Notification 02.05.2015

On February 5, 2015 at 1430 hrs, while attempting to close off Illinois Route 111 to allow for a helicopter to land safely for a medical emergency, Fire Chief Kenneth Lehr, 59, was struck by a fire apparatus as it was backing up. Fire Chief Lehr passed away at the scene from injuries sustained when he was struck.





Our condolences to the Lehr Family & Friends, the Medora Community Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Fire Chief Kenneth Lehr’s passing.

To date, 08 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. 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: Illinois Firefighter On-Duty Death

Firefighter  Timothy P. Jansen, on December 3, 2012 at 1930 hrs,  was struck and killed by a fire truck at the scene of a house fire.  Firefighter Jansen was on the first fire apparatus to arrive at scene and was standing outside the vehicle when he was hit. Firefighter Jansen was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese, where he passed away from his injuries. 

Timothy P. Jansen, Illinois Firefighter, killed at fire scene during a house fire.

Timothy P. Jansen was married and had two daughters.  He'd been with the fire district for 15 years.



Our condolences to the Jansen Family & Friends, the Santa Fe Fire Protection District and to all affected by Firefighter Timothy P. Jansen's passing.

To date, 75 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. 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.)