USFA LODD: New Jersey Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 07.30.2017

Firefighter Richard W. Leonard, 70, was operating a pumper at a fire on State Street in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on April 19, 1993. The fire involved a recycling facility with plastics. Firefighter Leonard did not have breathing air and worked in the highly toxic plastic burning smoke for hours. Firefighter Leonard never returned to duty and spent the last 24 years under workers' compensation care for continuous medical conditions caused from inhaling the smoke. Richard W. Leonard  died on July 30, 2017 due to the effects of the smoke exposure.

Our condolences to the Leonard Family & Friends, Perth Amboy Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Richard W. Leonard's passing. 

To date, 59 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.)