USFA LODD: Two West Virginia Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 03.24.2018

On March 24, 2018 Assistant Fire Chief Michael Edwards, 46, and Lieutenant Tom Craigo, 40, were killed and three other firefighters were injured when, for a cause still under investigation, the apparatus they were in left the narrow roadway and crashed into a rock wall. At the time, the firefighters were responding to a multiple fatality motor vehicle crash on the West Virginia Turnpike. Of the three firefighters injured, Fire Chief Timothy Walker remains in the hospital in critical condition; Firefighter Billy Hypes is in stable condition; and Firefighter Kyle Jenkins was released with minor injuries.

Our condolences to the Edwards Family & Craigo Family, Friends, Pratt Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Assistant Fire Chief Michael Edwards’ passing and Lieutenant Tom Craigo's passing. 

To date, 18 and 19 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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.)