USFA LODD: Oklahoma Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.24.2020

  

On December 9, 2020, Major Andrew “Andy” P. Davis, 45, contracted COVID-19 while providing emergency medical care to a patient who had tested positive for the virus. Major Davis passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020.

Our condolences to the Davis Family & Friends, Oklahoma City Fire Department, and to all affected by Major Andrew “Andy” P. Davis' passing.    

To date, 91 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.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusivei n any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Pennsylvania Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.16.2020

 

Firefighter Edward Hine, 79, while performing in-station duties, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, from the virus.

Our condolences to the Hine Family & Friends, Colonial Park Fire Company, and to all affected by Firefighter Edward Hine's passing.    

To date, 90 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.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusivei n any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Pennsylvania Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.11.2020

 

Chief Emeritus/Firefighter Lee Witman, 63, while performing in-station duties, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020, from the virus.  

Our condolences to the Witman Family & Friends, Colonial Park Fire Company, and to all affected by Chief Emeritus/Firefighter Lee Witman's passing.    

To date, 89 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.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusivei n any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Alabama Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.06.2020

On November 17, 2020, Firefighter Donald Downs, 69, while attending mandatory training for the fire department, contracted COVID-19 from attendees at the exercise. He passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from the virus.

Our condolences to the Downs Family & Friends, Saragossa Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Donald Downs' passing.    

To date, 88 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.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusivei n any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Wisconsin Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.06.2020

Firefighter/Fire Inspector David Jerald Tomlinson, 71, contracted COVID-19 while performing fire inspections for the department.

Our condolences to the Tomlinson Family & Friends, Scales Mound Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Firefighter/Fire Inspector David Jerald Tomlinson's passing.    

To date, 87 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.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusivei n any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Texas Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.17.2020

While on duty, Captain Randy Robinson, 64, contracted COVID-19 at the fire station. He passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020, from the virus.

Our condolences to the Robinson Family & Friends, Scales Mound Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Captain Randy Robinson's passing.    

To date, 86 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Illinois Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.10.2020

On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at approximately 2200hrs, Captain Leo W. Werner, 67, responded to a medical call at a residence. After returning home, he suffered an apparent heart attack and passed away shortly after midnight on Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Our condolences to the Werner Family & Friends, Scales Mound Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Captain Leo W. Werner's passing.    

To date, 85 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Kentucky Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.11.2020

Chief Robert “Rob” Orkies, 55, developed COVID-19 while on-duty from a fellow firefighter with a known case of the virus. He passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020.

Our condolences to the Orkies Family & Friends, Zoneton Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Chief Robert “Rob” Orkies's passing.    

To date, 84 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: New York Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.02.2020

On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Fire Police Captain/1st Vice President of the Spring Brook Fire District #1 Donald E. Trzepacz, Sr., 67, attended a mandatory meeting at the fire department to review and discuss new recruitment applications. He informed the 2nd Vice President that he was not feeling well, left the meeting, and returned home. He was found deceased from an apparent heart attack the next morning.

Our condolences to the Trzepacz Family & Friends, Spring Brook Fire District #1, and to all affected by Fire Police Captain Donald E. Trzepacz's passing.    

To date, 83 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Washington Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.27.2020

 

On the morning of Friday, November 27, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Alan Basso, 59, responded to two medical emergency calls, the last one dispatched at 0848hrs. Later that day, at 1355hrs, Basso was driving in the downtown area of Kalama when his vehicle collided with several parked vehicles. He was unconscious and not breathing, suffering a cardiac arrest. Citizen CPR was immediately initiated by a nearby off-duty Portland firefighter, 911 was summonsed, and Cowlitz County Fire District 5 resources arrived on-scene. Immediate advance life support measures were administered, and Basso was then transported to PeaceHealth St. Johns Medical Center where, despite all efforts, he was pronounced deceased.

Our condolences to the Basso Family & Friends, Cowlitz County Fire District 5 and to all affected by Firefighter/EMT Alan Basso's passing.    

To date, 82 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Indiana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.22.2020

At 1900hrs on Sunday, November 22, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Robert Cree, 72, responded to a medical emergency at a residence. Upon returning home, at approximately 2010hrs, Firefighter/EMT Cree collapsed from an apparent heart attack. Crews arrived at his home and immediately performed CPR. Despite all efforts, he could not be resuscitated and passed away.

Our condolences to the Cree Family & Friends, Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/EMT Robert Cree's passing.    

To date, 81 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Kansas Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.21.2020

 

While on-duty, Captain Robert “Bobby” Rocha, 59, contracted COVID-19 from a patient with a known case of COVID-19. He was hospitalized on November 12, 2020 and passed away from the virus on November 21, 2020. 

Our condolences to the Rocha Family & Friends, Kansas City, MO Fire Department Fire Department , and to all affected by Captain Robert “Bobby” Rocha's passing.    

To date, 80 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.18.2020

On Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at approximately 2100hrs., Firefighter Michael Buitendorp, 40, driving a fire department tender, was responding to the scene of a camper fire in Otto Township when he lost consciousness. The firefighter who was with him was able to stop the fire apparatus and call for help. Grant Township firefighters and EMS personnel immediately performed life-saving measures. Firefighter Buitendorp was then transported to the Mercy Health Lakeshore Hospital where attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. The cause of his death is under investigation. 

Our condolences to the Buitendorp Family & Friends, Grant Township Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Michael Buitendorp's passing.    

To date, 79 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Michigan Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.17.2020

While responding with the Blissfield Fire Department to a barn fire, Captain Joseph “Joe” Gallo, 34, was driving a Chevy Impala with emergency lights activated. As he drove on a gravel portion of the road, he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled and Captain Gallo was ejected. He was transported to the Toledo Hospital where, after all attempts at resuscitation were exhausted, Captain Gallo was pronounced deceased from injuries sustained. He was a Paid-on-Call Captain with the Blissfield Township Fire Department and a Part-time Firefighter/EMT with the Madison Township Fire Department. 

Our condolences to the Gallo Family & Friends, Blissfield Township Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Joseph “Joe” Gallo's passing.    

To date, 78 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: California Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.16.2020

 
Interim Assistant Fire Chief Sean Laffan, 42, collapsed in an office of the Oakland Fire Department’s administrative building. Staff on-site began performing life-saving measures until Laffan was taken by ambulance to Summit Medical Center in Oakland. Later that evening, Laffan suffered a prolonged cardiac arrest and, despite all resuscitative efforts, passed away.  

Our condolences to the Laffan Family & Friends, Oakland Fire Department, and to all affected by Interim Assistant Fire Chief Sean Laffan's passing.    

To date, 77 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Indiana Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.14.2020

Engineer D. Matthew Bennett, 49, drove Engine 1 to a possible structural collapse after a car drove into a home. Upon his arrival and as crews began to work, Bennett complained to the EMS Duty Officer on scene that he was experiencing chest pains. The EMS Duty Officer escorted Bennett to an ambulance to be evaluated. Bennett was then transported to a hospital and immediately taken into surgery. Despite all efforts, however, Bennett passed away the following afternoon. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined. 

Our condolences to the Bennett Family & Friends, Indianapolis Fire Department, and to all affected by Engineer D. Matthew Bennett's passing.    

To date, 76 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Kansas Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.08.2020

On Sunday, November 8, 2020, Firefighter Johnny Ivison, Jr., 23, was responding to a call of a residential fire in Easton, Kansas, in his privately owned vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado Truck, when the vehicle went off the road. Firefighter Ivison attempted to correct his path, but overcorrected causing the truck to roll over numerous times, ejecting him from the vehicle. He died from the injuries sustained in the crash.

Our condolences to the Ivison Family & Friends, Easton Township Fire Department , and to all affected by Firefighter Johnny Ivison, Jr.'s passing.    

To date, 75 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Georgia Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 11.02.2020

 

Firefighter Harold Boone, 49, while on-duty at the fire station, contracted COVID-19 from fellow firefighters who had subsequently tested positive for the virus. He passed away from the disease on November 2, 2020. 

Our condolences to the Bruce Family & Friends, Houston Fire Department, and to all affected by Arson Investigator Lemuel Bruce's passing.    

To date, 74 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Texas Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.16.2020

During the early morning hours of Friday, October 16, 2020, Arson Investigator Lemuel Bruce, 44, and other members of the Arson Division, Houston Fire Department, tracked down a possible lead to arsons being set in the Houston area. When they arrived at the Timbergrove neighborhood, a suspect fatally shot Arson Investigator Bruce. The suspect was discovered deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Our condolences to the Bruce Family & Friends, Houston Fire Department, and to all affected by Arson Investigator Lemuel Bruce's passing.    

To date, 73 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.

(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.

USFA LODD: Georgia Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.17.2020

While on duty, Captain Keith Obrian Williams, 54, was found unresponsive by fellow firefighters at the Camilla Fire Department early on October 17, 2020. Life-saving efforts began immediately but were not successful. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined. 

Our condolences to the Williams Family & Friends, Camilla Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Keith Obrian Williams' passing.    

To date, 72 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.

(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.