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: 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: Indiana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 04.12.2020

On March 26, 2020, while on duty, Firefighter John Schoffstall, 41, contracted COVID-19 from working with another firefighter who had subsequently tested positive for the virus. ire Firefighter John Schoffstall passed away on April 12, 20202.

Our condolences to the Schoffstall Family & Friends, Terre Haute Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter John Schoffstall's passing.

   

To date, 22 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 04.30.2018

On April 30, 2018 Firefighter Jeffrey Holt, 60, collapsed from an apparent heart attack just after passing an annual physical assessment at Lawrence Fire Department Station 38. According to reports, medics were present and immediately provided aid. Firefighter Holt was then transported to the Indiana Heart Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Our condolences to the Holt Family & Friends, Lawrence Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Jeffrey Holt’s passing.      

To date, 33 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: Indiana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.20.2017

On December 20, 2017 shortly after working a barn fire with his fire department, Firefighter Jeffery Alan Blackmer, 42, was discovered deceased at the fire station where he had been cleaning and stowing away gear used to fight the early morning blaze. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined by authorities.

Our condolences to the Blackmer Family & Friends, Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Company, and to all affected by Firefighter Jeffery Alan Blackmer's passing.   

To date, 88 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: Indiana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.10.2017

On November 10, 2017 shortly after arriving on the scene of a motor vehicle crash, Firefighter Kendall James Murphy, 27, was struck and killed by another firefighter who was responding to the same accident scene in his privately owned pickup truck. The second firefighter, who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol registering a blood alcohol level of 0.21 percent, was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, and reckless driving.

Our condolences to the Murphy Family & Friends, Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Kendall James Murphy’s passing.

To date, 79 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: Indiana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.11.2017

On November 11, 2017 several hours after working on the scene of a three-alarm commercial structure fire at an auto body and glass company, Firefighter/EMT Scott A. Compton, 55, fell ill at home and died from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Our condolences to the Compton Family & Friends, Greenfield Fire Territory, and to all affected by Firefighter/EMT Scott A. Compton’s passing.

To date, 78 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: Indiana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.27.2017

Captain Eric J. Balliet, 41, died September 27, 2017, during a training exercise at a commercial structure while leading a crew during physically demanding maneuvers. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined and reported.

Our condolences to the Balliet Family & Friends, Fort Wayne Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Eric J. Balliet’s passing.

To date, 70 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: Indiana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 06.01.2017

On June 1, 2017 several hours after responding with Lake Station Volunteer Fire Department to an emergency response call, Lieutenant David Jatczsk, 57, died at his residence from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

Our condolences to the Jatczsk Family & Friends, Lake Station Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Lieutenant David Jatczsk’s passing.

  

To date, 45 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: Indiana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.24.2016

On  December 24, 2016 at 0126hrs ,while responding to an early morning alarm call, Firefighter Richard Rehm’s, 37, privately owned vehicle became stuck on an active railroad crossing. A short time later, Firefighter Rehm was struck and killed by a passing train.
    

Our condolences to the Rehm Family & Friends, McCordsville Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Richard Rehm’s passing.   

  

To date, 88 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: Indiana Fire Chief On-Duty Death Notification 11.08.2016

Fire Chief Michael Payne, 58, and members of his department responded to a truck fire on Interstate-65 north of Lafayette, IN, just before midnight on November 7, 2016. After the fire was extinguished, Fire Chief Payne fell ill and collapsed. Lifesaving efforts were initiated and Fire Chief Payne was transported to Indiana University Hospital (Lafayette) where those efforts continued until he passed away at approximately 0145hrs on November 8, 2016.

  

Our condolences to the Payne Family & Friends, the Brookston Prairie Township Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Chief Michael Payne's passing.       

  

To date, 75 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 – Indiana Assistant Fire Chief Fatalities Notification 08.05.2014

Assistant Fire Chief James Middlebrook, 40, on August 5, 2014 at 2100hrs, died from injuries sustained when the roof of a burning commercial storage building collapsed on him and another firefighter. According to reports, the other firefighter sustained a broken ankle and minor burns. Investigation into the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State of Indiana Fire Marshal’s office. 

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence issued a statement after learning of Middlebrook's death. . .

     

"I was saddened to learn of the death of New Carlisle Assistant Fire Chief Jamie Middlebrook, who lost his life protecting the safety of Hoosiers," Pence said. "Today, Indiana mourns the loss of a true Hoosier hero. On behalf of the state, the First Lady and I extend our condolences to his family and friends and hold them in prayer during this difficult time."

Our condolences to the Middlebrook Family & Friends, the New Carlisle Fire Department and to all affected by Assistant Fire Chief Jamie Middlebrook's passing.

To date, 54 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. 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.) 

McCutchanville VFD Firefighter In Fatal Overturned Apparatus Crash

Firefighter/EMT Jeremy Tighe, 18, of McCutchanville VFD, Evansville, Indiana, on February 22, 2012, died of fatal injuries he sustained last evening. The tragic incident occurred after the engine company apparatus Jeremy was riding in, as a passenger, was involved in a single apparatus accident that overturned and crash violently, striking a utility pole while traveling north on St. Joseph Avenue.

24 year-old Brandon Cason of Evansville VFD, the driver of the vehicle, was taken to Deaconess Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. It has been reported he has since been released.

The engine company vehicle 18-year-old firefighter Tighe was riding in was returning from a emergency response for a reported carbon monoxide activation. The fire engine rige was reported available for service after thie CO2 response call at 8:10 p.m., the fire apparatus accident happen at 8:30 p.m..

McCuthanville Fire Department PIO Lt. Steve Gibson said "They were returning from a run when for some unknown reason their truck went off the side of the pavement."

Our condolences to all affected by this tragedy.

To date, 12 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date 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.)