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: 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.02.2020

On August 2, 2020, Sergeant Steven Splan, 46, was on fire duty and, at approximately 1200hrs, helped to remove a tree blocking a roadway. Sergeant Splan, later in the evening during patrol, went on a meal break to the public safety building, where he was found unresponsive in the department kitchen. CPR was immediately performed and he was taken to the local hospital where he was pronounced deceased from an apparent heart attack late in the evening on August 2, 2020.

  

Our condolences to Splan Family & Friends, Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety, and to all affected by Firefighter/Sergeant Steven Splan's passing.

     

To date, 47 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 04.08.2020

On March 22, 2020, while on duty, Fire Captain Franklin Williams, 57, contracted COVID-19 from working with another firefighter who had subsequently tested positive for the virus. Fire Captain Franklin Williams passed away on April 8, 20202.

Our condolences to the Williams Family & Friends, Detroit Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Captain Franklin Williams passing.

   

To date, 20 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 03.13.2020

On Friday, March 13, 2020, at approximately 2130hrs, Firefighter Benjamen “Ben” Lauren, 23, and Forsyth Township Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene of a fire in a duplex.  While working the interior of the structure, part of the floor collapsed and Firefighter Lauren became trapped between the first and basement floors.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene.  An investigation into the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Our condolences to the Lauren Family & Friends, Forsyth Township Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Benjamen “Ben” Lauren's passing.

   

To date, 17 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 08.10.2019

On Saturday, August 10, 2019, Firefighter Norman Edward Klenow, 78, responded to a motor vehicle accident.  While providing traffic control at the scene, he complained of not feeling well and was assisted into the apparatus.  After returning to the fire station, he went home, when at approximately 1946hrs, was found in cardiac arrest.  Firefighter Norman Edward Klenow was immediately transported to the hospital where he passed away.

Our condolences to the Klenow Family & Friends, East Tawas Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Norman Edward Klenow's passing. 

   

To date, 31 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.08.2018

During his 24-hour shift on Nov. 8, 2018, Firefighter Michael Lubi, 46, led a crew as acting Sergeant for Squad 4 during which he responded to three fires and one medical incident. Toward the end of his shift, Firefighter Lubig suffered a medical emergency and was transported to Henry Ford Hospital. On Nov. 12, 2018, Firefighter Michael Lubig passed away from the injuries sustained. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

  

Our condolences to the Lubi Family & Friends, Detroit Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Michael Lubit’s passing. 

   

To date, 78 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.22.2018

On Septeber 22, 2018 Firefighter Robert James Phillips II, 62, responded to two emergency incidents, the last one being a motor vehicle accident at approximately 11:30 a.m.  On September 23, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Firefighter Phillips was found unresponsive by his wife at his residence. She called 911 and the Memphis Fire Department responded, but Robert James Phillips II was pronounced dead at the scene. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.
   
Our condolences to the Phillips Family & Friends, Memphis Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Robert James Phillips' II passing. 

To date, 69 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 07.29.2017

Firefighter Kevin Ramsey, 50, on July 29, 2017 died of an apparent heart attack shortly after returning to the firehouse from fighting a second commercial structure fire of the day. Firefighter Ramsey complained of nausea and chest pain to fellow firefighters, so they immediately began treatment and summoned advanced medical responders to the station. Firefighter Ramsey was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital where, despite all efforts, he succumbed to his injury.

Our condolences to the Ramsey Family & Friends, Detroit Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Kevin Ramsey's passing. 

To date, 58 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 07.18.2017

On July 18, 2017 Firefighter Allen Charles Howard, 49, responded with his fire department to a mutual aid fire call in a field involving bailing equipment and multiple large bales of (burning) hay.  The fire department reported very high heat and humidity conditions over the several hour incident period as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire. The following morning, Firefighter Howard fell ill and succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.
  

Our condolences to the Howard Family & Friends, Adrian Charter Township Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Allen Charles Howard’s passing.  

To date, 58 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 06.14.2017

On June 14, 2017 Chief Edward Switalski, 55, responded with the Comstock Township Department of Fire & Rescue to a reported motor vehicle accident on Eastbound I-94 near mile marker 81 at approximately 2230hrs. Upon arrival, they found an empty vehicle and no injuries to report. As fire crews were getting ready to leave the scene, a passing vehicle lost control and struck Chief Switalski, who was standing at the rear of his rescue vehicle returning equipment to service. Crews at the scene tried to revive him, but were not successful. Chief Switalski was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Our condolences to the Switalski Family & Friends, Comstock Township Department of Fire & Rescue, and to all affected by Fire Chief Edward Switalski’s passing.  

  

To date, 49 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 02.25.2017

On  February 25, 2017 at 1049hrs Firefighter/EMT Ronald Savage, 63, died after suffering a cardiac issue during a search and rescue training exercise with the Milford Fire Department. Ronald Savage, a Milford resident, is survived by his wife Mitzi; his teen son Ronald Jr.; sisters Pat Murphy of Lansing and Elizabeth Savage; brothers Tom and Dave; and nieces and nephews. 

  
Our condolences to the Savage Family & Friends, Milford Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/EMT Ronald Savage's passing.    

To date, 15 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.27.2016

On  December 27, 2016 at 0800hrs while preparing to leave the fire station upon completion of his shift which included responses to three emergency incidents, Captain Fred A. Newton, Sr., 66, went out to the station parking lot to start and warm his car. At 0815hrs, as other members of the fire department arrived at the station, they noticed Captain Newton was in his car and had perhaps fallen asleep while the vehicle was still running. When a firefighter went outside and knocked on a window of the vehicle there was no response. He then opened the door and noticed Captain Newton was not breathing. Emergency dispatch was notified and the EMS crew at the station immediately began to render assistance, including ALS procedures, and transported Captain Fred A. Newton, Sr. to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
    

Our condolences to the Newton Family & Friends, Somerset Township Fire Department & EMS, and to all affected by Firefighter/Smokejumper Captain Fred A. Newton, Sr.’s passing.    

  

To date, 89 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.27.2016

On  November 27, 2016 later in the day after responding with his fire department to an early morning carbon monoxide alarm, Firefighter Thomas Gary Walker, 70, collapsed at home and was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.
    

Our condolences to the Walker Family & Friends, Otsego County Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Thomas Gary Walker’s passing. 

  

To date, 81 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-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: Two Michigan Firefighters On-Duty Death Notification 08.27.2016

On  August 27, 2016 Firefighter James Shelifoe, Jr., 23, and FirefighterAlan Swartz, 25, were killed when the fire apparatus (crew vehicle) they were riding in on Interstate 35W near Blaine, Minnesota, crashed into the median barrier and rolled a number of times. Several other firefighters riding in the truck were seriously injured and transported to the hospital. The firefighters, members of the Beartown Fire Department’s Type 2 wildland handcrew, were on their way to work the Box Canyon Fire in Utah when the crash occurred. The fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities.

  

Our condolences to the Shelifoe Family, the Swartz Family, & Friends, the Beartown Fire Department - Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and to all affected by Firefighter James Shelifoe's and FirefighterAlan Swartz's passing.     

  

To date, 56 and 57 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 07.02.2016

Several days following surgery to replace a shoulder that was badly injured from a fall on ice while working an emergency medical call on January 24, 2016, Lieutenant Andrew Russell, 48, began to feel sick and asked his wife to call 911. Responders provided assistance to Lt. Russell and transported him to the hospital where he passed away from complications related to the surgery on July 2, 2016.

      

Our condolences to the Russell Family & Friends, Harrison Township Fire Department, and to all affected by Lieutenant Andrew Russell’s passing. 

    

To date, 35 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: Michigan Firefighter Trainee On-Duty Death Notification 01.02.2016

Firefighter Trainee Charles C. Adams, Jr., 47, was participating in search and rescue training at the local fire academy. He became ill and momentarily lost consciousness. Displaying heart attack-like symptoms, he was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Firefighter Trainee Charles C. Adams, Jr. passed away at the hospital later that evening from a cause yet to be determined.

  

Our condolences to the Adams Family & Friends, Spring Arbor Township Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Trainee Charles C. Adams, Jr.’s passing.

  

To date, 1 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: Michigan Fireboat Captain On-Duty Death Notification 11.20.2015

Fireboat Captain Walter Szelag, 65, on November 20, 2015 at 1615hrs, became ill from an apparent heart attack while on-duty with the City of Detroit Fire Department’s Fire Boat 1. According to initial reports, crew members radioed for an ambulance to be sent to the fire boat station where Captain Szelag was working to prepare the fire boat for the winter season. Captain Szelag was transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital but succumbed to his injury.  

Our condolences to the Szelag Family & Friends, City of Detroit Fire Department and to all affected by Fireboat Captain Walter Szelag’s passing.

To date, 74 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: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.19.2015

Firefighter Sergeant Vince Smith on November 19, 2015 passed away in his sleep at the fire station from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined. According to media reports, Firefighter Smith complained of not feeling well just before retiring for a rest period. Sergeant Smith was assigned to Detroit Fire Department’s Ladder 13 but was working an extra shift at the station housing Engine 48 at the time of his passing.

            

Our condolences to the Smith Family & Friends, City of Detroit Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Vince Smith’s passing.

To date, 73 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.)