California Governor Jerry Brown Issues Statement on Death of Smokejumper/Firefighter Luke
Sheehy:
“Anne and
I were saddened to learn of the death of Firefighter Luke Sheehy, a young man
who devoted his life to protecting his fellow Californians. Our thoughts are
with his family, friends and colleagues.”Firefighter Luke Sheehy, 28, of Susanville, was fatally injured by a section of a falling tree at the scene of a lightning-sparked wildland fire in the Modoc National Forest 15 miles southeast of the community of Alturas.
Firefighter Sheehy was a member of the California Smokejumpers, an airborne firefighting unit of the United States Forest Service based in Redding, California. Prior to his career with the United States Forest Service, he served 5 seasons as a firefighter for CAL FIRE.
In honor of Firefighter Sheehy, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell stated:
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this brave young smokejumper who lost his life yesterday working with his team to control a blaze on the Modoc National Forest. We are launching a full review into the cause of his death to learn everything we can to prevent future tragedies like this.”
Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Randy Moore echoed Chief Tidwell's setntiments:
"We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. It's a devastating loss and is felt throughout the entire Forest Service."
Smokejumper and Firefighter Luke Sheehy, a member of the California Smokejumpers, on June 10, 2013 at 1655hrs, was struck by a tree while operating on the Saddle Back Fire in the Modoc National Forest. Firefighter Sheehy was treated by fellow firefighters and flown by helicopter to a hospital in Altura, Californa, but succumbed to his injuries.
Our condolences to the Sheehy Family & Friends, the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region, and to all affected by Smokejumper/Firefighter Luke Sheehy's passing.
To date, 38 firefighter fatality have been reported to USFA in 2013. 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.)
