On December 12, 2013, after returning to the station from working a residential fire call, Firefighter Terry Richard "Dick" Guss, Sr., 72, slipped and fell from the running board of an engine striking his head on the apparatus bay floor. According to reports, Firefighter Guss was transported to the hospital alert and in little pain. Terry Richard "Dick" Guss, who also was the mayor, was initially talking and in little pain when he was transported to the hospital, stated Chief Norm Mansfield of the South Zanesville Fire Department. While at the hospital Terry Richard Guss’ condition worsened and he was transferred to ICU then underwent surgery to address pressure on the brain from bleeding. In spite of best efforts from fellow first responders and medical personnel at the hospital, Firefighter Guss succumbed to his injuries passing away on Sunday, December 15th.
Our condolences to the Guss Family & Friends, the South Zanesville Fire Department, and to all affected Firefighter Terry Richard "Dick" Guss', Sr. passing.
To date, 95 firefighter fatalities 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.)
