On May 15, 2019, firefighters from the Appleton Fire Department, the Appleton Police Department, and the Gold Cross Ambulance Crew, responded to a medical emergency at the Valley Transit Center in downtown Appleton, WI. While treating the patient, the situation escalated into shots being fired, striking Firefigher Mitchell F. Lundgaard, 36, a police officer, and a bystander. Aid was immediately rendered to Firefighter Lundgaard and he was rushed to the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton, WI. Despite all life-saving efforts, Firefighter Mitchell F. Lundgaard passed away from the injuries he sustained from the shooting. Investigation into the incident continues.
To date, 16 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2019. 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.)