On Monday, August 31, 2020, during a mandated physical fitness ability test at the New Hampshire Fire Academy in Concord, New Hampshire, Interim Captain Steven W. Tower, 54, became ill and collapsed. Aid was rendered to him and he was immediately transported to the local hospital where he passed away a short time later. The cause of his death is under investigation. Interim Captain Steven W. Tower retired four years ago from the Goffstown Fire Department after 30 years of service. The town had asked him to come back as the Interim Fire Chief. When Fire Chief Brian H. Allard was hired, he asked Interim Captain Tower to remain with the department and help with logistics. At the time of Interim Captain Tower’s passing, he was taking a mandated physical fitness ability test in order to become a full-time Captain again with the department. During his time as Interim Captain, he responded to fire incidents and was assigned exterior firefighting duties.
Our condolences to the Tower Family & Friends, Goffstown Fire Department, and to all affected by Interim Captain Steven W. Tower's passing.
To date, 58 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
