On January 26, 2015 at 1430hrs, the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department fire crews were dispatched to a two story apartment building fire with people inside. Shortly after arriving on scene, Firefighter Stephen A. Machcinski and Firefighter James A. Dickman were searching inside of the building for occupants when they signaled a Mayday. Other crews immediately began RIT operations and, within several minutes, rescued the two trapped firefighters who were both reported to be in cardiac arrest. Firefighters Machchinski and Dickman were treated and transported to the hospital where they both succumbed to their injuries. The cause of the fatal fire remains under investigation by local authorities.
Our condolences to the Machcinski Family, the Dickman Family & Friends, the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department and to all affected by Firefighter Stephen A. Machcinski's and Firefighter James A. Dickman's passings.
To date, 6 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.
