The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality:
Captain John T. Sayles, 38, of the Pentwater Fire Department on November 13, 2012, at 1652hrs, responded with his fire department to a working residential structure fire. Fewer than twenty-four hours later, Captain Sayles was at home when he experienced chest pain and difficulty breathing. Emergency assistance was summoned and he was transported to the hospital. After being evaluated and while being transported to a second hospital for surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm, it ruptured, resulting in Captain Sayles death.
Our condolences to the Sayles Family & Friends, the Pentwater Fire Department and to all affected by Fire Captain John T. Sayles' passing.
To date, 71 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.
Fire Chief Walter M. Summerville III, 55, of the Kernersville Fire Rescue Department on November 6, 2012, at 1537hrs, responded with his fire department to a triple shooting incident. Near the end of the incident, Summerville complained to fellow firefighters that he didn’t feel well and went to sit in one of the department vehicles while the incident finished up. The following day, November 7, 2012, while at work, Chief Summerville complained again to coworkers that he still did not feel well and departed work early for home. A short time later, Chief Summerville was discovered by a family member passed away from an apparent heart attack.
Our condolences to the Walter Family & Friends, the Kernersville Fire Rescue Department and to all affected by Fire Chief Walter M. Summerville III's passing.
To date, 72 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.)
