Cohnway Matthew Johnson
Fire Fighter/ EMT
USFA issues 2016 Firefighter Fatality Report
Eighty-nine firefighters died while on duty in 2016, one less than the 2015 total of 90, and five fewer than the 94 firefighter fatalities in 2014. The total includes 22 firefighters who died under circumstances that were part of inclusion criteria changes resulting from the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefit Act. When not including these fatalities for the purposes of a trend analysis, there were 67 non-Hometown Hero firefighter fatalities in 2016, the second lowest annual total since the USFA began this study.
Firefighter fatalities included 23 career firefighters, 56 volunteer firefighters, and 10 part-time or full-time members of wildland or wildland contract fire agencies. The 89 deaths in 2016 resulted from a total of 85 fatal incidents, including three multiple firefighter fatality incidents taking the lives of seven firefighters. One structural collapse took the lives of three career firefighters, and two motor vehicle crashes killed, respectively, two wildland firefighters each. Of the 89 firefighters who died while on duty in 2016, 87 were male and two were female.
There were eight fatalities in 2016 where firefighters became ill or injured while on the scene of a structure fire. Seventeen firefighters experienced fatal injuries during fireground operations. Of these fatalities, eight were at the scene of a structure fire, three were at the scene of a vehicle fire, and six others were at the scene of a wildland or outside fire. Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 36 firefighters. This includes all firefighters who died responding to an emergency or at an emergency scene, returning from an emergency incident, and during other emergency-related activities. Nonemergency activities accounted for 53 fatalities. Nonemergency duties include training, administrative activities, performing other functions that are not related to an emergency incident, and post-incident fatalities where the firefighter does not experience the illness or injury during the emergency. Fifteen firefighters were killed during activities involving brush, grass or wildland firefighting. This total includes part-time and seasonal wildland firefighters, full-time wildland firefighters, and municipal or volunteer firefighters whose deaths are related to a wildland fire. There were no firefighter fatality incidents from an aircraft crash related to wildland firefighting.
In 2016, nine firefighters died while engaged in training activities. Two of the nine firefighters died from heart attacks. There were three deaths from traumatic injuries: one resulting from a vehicle collision — watercraft; one from a vehicle collision — fire apparatus; and one from a fall — trauma. One firefighter died from heat exhaustion. The nature of fatal injury for the three remaining “other” training related deaths were hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic rupture, and cardiac ischemia related to rhabdomyolysis. For the nine firefighters who died while engaged in training activities, three firefighters died while performing fire department mandated physical fitness training; one died while involved in driver training; one died during an apparatus drill; one during search and rescue training at a local fire academy; one died after falling from a helicopter while participating in a monthly “hoist training” exercise; one died during water rescue training; and one firefighter died at the station shortly after completing unspecified training of a non-routine physical nature.
Nonfire emergencies - 13 firefighters were killed during emergency duties not related to fire. These response calls included five Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls, four motor vehicle accidents, two technical rescues, one hazmat incident (illicit drug lab explosion), and one rescue/extrication response call (collapse of a dock into a lake).Two of the 13 firefighters died from traumatic injuries, including one killed by a charter bus that crashed into a motor vehicle accident scene, and the second was struck by debris from an illicit drug lab explosion. Two firefighters died from gun violence on two separate calls: one EMS and one welfare check. Two firefighters died from asphyxiation, one while diving to recover the body of a reported drowning victim and one was swept away by a flash flood while responding to a community hit hard by a violent storm. Five firefighters died of heart attacks, and one from a stroke, who were an average of 52 years old. The youngest of these five firefighters was 38 years old, and the oldest was 67 years old.
Four on-duty firefighter deaths from suicide have been reported to the USFA since 1990, including one each in 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2016. While many more such deaths have undoubtedly occurred before and since 1990, only in recent years has the issue been recognized as a critical one in the fire service needing more attention and prevention/mitigation measures. Thanks to the many years of leadership and efforts by organizations, such as the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (http://www.ffbha.org/), a subject once kept quiet is now being faced more squarely by the fire service as a whole.
This information and additional information is provided by the US Fire Administration. Please visit their website@www.usafema.gov.
Firefighter Trainee Adams was participating in search and rescue training at the local fire academy. He became ill and momentarily lost consciousness. Displaying heart attack-like symptoms, he was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Firefighter Trainee Adams passed away at the hospital later that evening from a cause yet to be determined. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Adams family.
Kenneth K. Harris, 56 of Oak Park, Illinois 01-11-16
Firefighter/Paramedic Harris finished his shift on 01/11/16 at 0730hrs. During this shift, Harris responded to multiple incidents with the last incident being at 0615hrs. At approximately 2030hrs that same day, Harris suffered a cardiac arrest while at home and passed away from injuries sustained. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harris family.
Joshua Woods, 24 of Siler City, North Carolina 01-12-16
While driving his personal vehicle in response to an emergency call, Firefighter Woods lost control causing the car to crash. Firefighter Woods passed away from the injuries he sustained in the vehicle accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Woods family.
Clarence "Speed" Hartbank, 79 of Riverton, Wyoming 01-13-16
On September 10, 2015, Deputy Chief Clarence “Speed” Hartbank fell approximately 15 feet through the ceiling of a bunker while fighting a grass and structure fire in rural Fremont County, near Lander, Wyoming. Hartbank suffered second- and third-degree burns over 38 percent of his body, seven broken ribs and a punctured lung. Hartbank was flown to Swedish Medical Center in Colorado and went through numerous surgeries in the months since the incident. On January 13, 2016, Hartbank passed away at the Swedish Medical Center from the injuries he sustained. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hartbank family.
Scott D. Bruggeman, 45 of Middletown, Ohio 01-18-16
On March 18, 2014, Firefighter Scott D. Bruggeman suffered a heart attack while restraining an uncooperative patient in the Atrium Medical Center emergency room. Bruggeman was subsequently diagnosed with sarcoidosis and underwent several heart surgeries. After the last surgery which occurred in November 2015, Bruggeman was placed in hospice care. On January 18, 2016, Firefighter Bruggeman passed away from injuries sustained. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bruggeman family.
Ronald J. Adams, 29 of Norht Little Rock, Arkansas 01-22-16
Lieutenant Adams was shot and killed by a resident at the scene of an emergency medical response call. Investigation of the fatal incident continues by local and state authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Adams family.
James R. Varnell, 53 of Elm City, North Carolina 02-02-16
Firefighter Varnell was at the fire department attending training. As Varnell was preparing to depart, he became ill and fellow responders quickly came to his aid with basic life support measures. As more assistance arrived, advanced life support was provided as Varnell was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to a nature and cause of injury still to be determined. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Varnell family.
James J. Butler, Jr., 50 of Derby, Connecticut 02-07-16
Upon returning to the fire house from responding to a fire alarm activation with his fire company, Chief Driver Butler complained to fellow firefighters that he did not feel well. While at his residence several hours later, Butler succumbed to a nature and cause of illness still to be determined. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Butler family.
David W. Conley, 48 of Olive Hill, Kentucky 02-10-16
Lieutenant Conley fell ill from an apparent heart attack while on-duty at the fire station. Conley was treated by fellow responders and transported to the hospital in Morehead, KY, where he succumbed to his injury. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Conley family.
Daniel F. Cool, 71 of Grantville, Kansas 02-14-16
Assistant Fire Chief Cool responded to an emergency incident on the morning of February 11th. Later that day, he attended a training meeting and collapsed suddenly from a heart attack. Chief Cool was admitted to St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS, where he succumbed to his injury early in the morning of February 14th. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cool family.
Shawna L. Jones, 22 of Sacramento, California 02-26-16
Inmate Firefighter Jones was working as part of a hand crew in a steep ravine on a fire in Agoura Hills-Malibu, California, when a large rock fell about 100 feet from the hillside above and struck her in the head. Firefighter Jones was treated immediately on scene by her fellow firefighters and quickly hoisted into a Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopter then airlifted to UCLA Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries the following day. Thanks to firefighters on the ground combined with air attacks, the fire was brought under control and no structures were lost. Investigation into the cause of the fire continues by local and state authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jones family.
Peter Larlee, 57 of East Millinocket, Maine 03-02-16
Within one hour of responding to a medical emergency, Captain Larlee went into the fire department’s engine bay to fix a mud flap on an ambulance. Within two minutes of going into the bay and while on the bay floor, Larlee fell ill. Captain Larlee was treated by fellow first responders, but passed away at the scene from injuries sustained. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Larlee family.
Earl J. Shoemaker, 68 of Hanover, Pennsylvania 03-12-16
Firefighter Shoemaker was responding to the scene of a house fire on the 500 block of Pumping Station Road when he became ill. The mobile air unit apparatus he was operating left the roadway (Brunswick DR) and came to a stop several hundred feet away. Shoemaker, alone in the apparatus at the time, was rescued by local residents and fellow first responders. He was then transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased from a cardiac related injury. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shoemaker family.
Christopher G. Ray, of Conway, South Carolina 03-20-16
Firefighter II Ray was operating on the scene of a working residential structure fire when he was struck and killed by a fire engine. According to a preliminary description of the incident from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Ray was riding on a Conway fire engine when he fell off and was struck as the fire truck reversed over him. The incident remains under investigation by local and state authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ray family.
Kenny Ray Jr. 32 of Canton, Ohio 03-20-16
Fire Technician/Industrial Firefighter Ray was found deceased at the corporation’s Faircrest plant (Canton, OH) on Sunday, March 20th. According to company officials, Ray was checking fire extinguishers throughout the plant when members of the security team found him unresponsive in a fifth-floor elevator motor room. Nitrogen exposure is suspected as a cause in his death. The incident remains under investigation by TimkenSteel, local, state and federal authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ray family.
Marco Davila, 45 of Dallas, Texas 03-23-16
Driver/Engineer Davila fell ill while exercising at his residence several hours after coming off of his shift at the fire department and within 24 hours of responding to an emergency response incident. Davila succumbed at the hospital several hours later from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Davila family.
Steven Whitfield II. 32 of Houston, Texas 03-31-16
Cadet Steven Whitfield II was hired by the Houston Fire Department on October 26, 2015, and was a member of Class 2015-G that will graduate in June 2016. On March 31, 2016, Whitfield collapsed during obstacle course training at the Houston Fire Department Val Jahnke Training Facility. Other cadets, as well as a medic crew, immediately began CPR and tried to lower his body temperature. He was then transported to the Memorial Hermann Texas Trauma Institute where, despite the resuscitation efforts of the medical staff, Cadet Whitfield was pronounced dead at 1248hrs. The cause of death is still under investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Whitfield family.
Charles M. Tucker, 56 of Lynn, Alabama 04-02-16
On March 30, 2016, Firefighter Tucker responded from home with his son, Austin, a 16-year-old Junior Member of Lynn Fire and Rescue, to a grass and woods fire on Winston County Road 37. Once units cleared the fire scene, Firefighter Tucker was driving with his son back home when, for a cause still to be determined, their privately owned pickup truck veered off of the highway and struck an empty logging trailer parked nearby. Lynn Fire and Rescue and other emergency services responded to the scene finding both occupants badly injured and entrapped in the vehicle. After extensive extrication efforts, Firefighter Tucker and his son were flown by medical helicopter to UAB Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Firefighter Tucker succumbed to his injuries sustained in the early morning hours of April 2, 2016. Junior Firefighter Austin Tucker remains in UAB Children’s Hospital recovering from his injuries. The fatal accident is under investigation by the Alabama Highway Patrol. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tucker family.
John "Skillet" Earnest Ulmschneider, 37 of Largo, Maryland 04-15-16
Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD) responded to a home for a welfare check call regarding a man with medical conditions that had not responded to relatives attempting to contact him. After arriving on scene, checking for any open doors or windows, and after making themselves known several times, firefighters forced entrance to the residence. As they entered the home, the resident fired several gun shots striking PGFD Firefighter/Paramedic John Ulmschneider (posthumously promoted to Lieutenant), Morningside Volunteer Firefighter Kevin Swain, and the relative who had originally called for help. After being transported to the hospital, Firefighter/Paramedic Ulmschneider succumbed to his injuries. Firefighter Swain remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition. Police said the resident of the home believed his house was being broken into and fired in self-defense. No charges have been filed. Investigation into the fatal incident continues by authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ulmschneider family.
Rodney Eddins, 57 of Memphis, Tennessee 04-17-16
While operating at the scene of a residential structure fire, Lieutenant Eddins collapsed from a nature of fatal injury still to be determined. Fellow firefighters removed Lieutenant Eddins from the structure and rushed him to Methodist South Hospital in critical condition where he succumbed to his injury. Fire crews determined the blaze started from a malfunctioning portable fan in the bedroom. There was not a working smoke alarm in the house, but two adults and four children at the home were uninjured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Eddins family.
Richard Sheltra, 20 of Pineville, North Carolina 04-30-16
Firefighter Richard Sheltra died from injuries sustained while operating on the interior of a commercial structure fire at a strip mall in Pineville, North Carolina. A second firefighter was injured in the incident which remains under investigation by local, state, and federal authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sheltra family.
Theodore A. Stafford, 73 of Sag Harbor, New York 05-02-16
Firefighter Stafford died at home from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined shortly after responding to the fire station for an emergency call. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stafford family.
Steven Lapierre, 58 of Saint Albans, Vermont 05-05-16
Firefighter Lapierre succumbed to his injury after suffering a heart attack while operating at the scene of a brush fire on April 27th, 2016. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lapierre family.
John Morris Davis Jr., 45 of Kenly, North Carolina 05-07-16
Firefighter Davis responded to a motor vehicle accident and assisted other responders with extrication of one occupant. After completion, Davis experienced chest pains. Johnston County EMS started treatment. While in route to the hospital, Davis went into cardiac arrest. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and Firefighter Davis succumbed to his injury. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Davis family.
Prentice "Jay" Tyndall, 45 of Grifton, North Carolina 05-12-16
On May 8, 2016, at approximately 2200hrs, Hugo Fire Department was dispatched on a mutual aid fire call with the North Lenoir Fire Department. Firefighter Tyndall responded to the station and was driving an engine and enroute when the call was canceled. Near noon of the following day, Firefighter Tyndall called his wife advising her that he was having severe head pain. Tyndall got out of his car and went into the business he was visiting and asked them to call 911. He was transported to Wayne Memorial Hospital. While at the hospital, a CT was performed and a brain bleed was discovered. Shortly after this was found, he was flown to Vidant Medical in Greenville, NC. While at Greenville, a procedure was done to relieve pressure on his brain. He was then flown to Duke University Durham for further treatment. At Duke, surgery was performed in attempt to stop the brain bleed, but despite all efforts, Firefighter Tyndall succumbed to his injury on May 12, 2016. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tyndall family.
Bradley S. Long, 28 of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina 06-06-2016
Captain Bradley Long and one other diver were searching for a missing 29-year-old man in Lake Norman when they encountered an emergency. A third diver entered the water after a Mayday was called. While the two other divers eventually surfaced, Captain Long never resurfaced and was later recovered and pronounced dead at the scene. Rescue crews had been searching Lake Norman for the missing man a day prior to the emergency involving Captain Long. Officials said the missing man jumped off a boat with two other people. The boat was not anchored and started to float away. The three tried to swim and catch up with the boat, but the missing man was not able to make it back to the boat. While the search for the man was suspended once Captain Long went missing, officials confirmed the body of the missing man was eventually recovered as well. The two other divers were responsive when taken to the hospital for treatment, one of which has been released. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Long family.
Douglas A. Clement, 43 of New Hampton, New Hampshire 06-14-2016
Fewer than 24 hours following participation in motor vehicle extrication
and rescue training at the fire department, Firefighter-AEMT Clement
experienced a medical emergency at his residence. Firefighter-AEMT
Clement was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to a reported
heart attack.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Clement family.
Clifford M. Rigsbee, 63 of Honolulu, Hawaii 06-16-2016
Firefighter III Rigsbee was found unconscious and floating in the water immediately after being separated from a jet ski/rescue sled while participating in a rescue watercraft training exercise. The firefighter operating the jet ski jumped into the water to initiate a rescue and with the assistance of others, including a nearby off-duty firefighter, brought Rigsbee to shore where he was rushed to the Straub Medical Center in critical condition. The firefighter/operator of the watercraft, who was also injured in the incident, was treated at the hospital and released. In spite of all efforts, Firefighter Rigsbee, who had suffered a spinal column injury, succumbed two days later while in the hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rigsbee family.
Joshua Warren, 34 of Alexis, North Carolina 06-16-2016
Firefighter Warren fell ill from a nature of injury still to be
determined while on-duty and engaged in physical fitness training at a
local middle school. Warren was rushed to CHS-Lincoln Medical Center,
where he later succumbed to his injury.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Warren family.
David K. Britt, 54 of Severn, North Carolina 06-18-2016
Fire Chief Britt suffered a medical emergency at his home several hours after responding to a motor vehicle crash. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Britt family.
Michael Morgan, 48 of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania 06-26-2016
John R. Fritz, 48 of Austintown, Ohio 06-27-2016
While on duty at Austintown Fire Station #1, Firefighter Fritz passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined. Firefighter Fritz ran several emergency calls throughout his shift, and when he did not report to the truck for an emergency medical response, his crew found him in the station unresponsive. Fellow responders and Lane LifeTrans Ambulance provided medical assistance but Firefighter Fritz did not regain consciousness. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fritz family.
Eric C. Speck, 38 of Dakota City, Nebraska 06-27-2016
On June 23, 2016, Captain Speck complained of chest pains while on-scene of an emergency medical call. Afterward, he traveled to the hospital where it was found he had suffered a heart attack. Captain Speck succumbed to his injury on the morning of June 27, 2016, while in the hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Speck family.
Andrew Russell, 48 of Harrison Township, Michigan 07-02-2016
Several days following surgery to replace a shoulder that was badly injured from a fall on ice while working an emergency medical call, Lieutenant Russell began to feel sick and asked his wife to call 911. Responders provided assistance to Lt. Russell and transported him to the hospital where he passed away from complications related to the surgery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Russell family.
Lancy A. Crawford Sr., 50 of Plainview, Arkansas 07-07-2016
As a part of the fire department’s weekly meeting/drill, Firefighter Crawford was operating a 1996 Ford Tanker truck traveling eastbound on Arkansas State Highway 60 and negotiating a curve when the apparatus left the roadway and rolled several times. Firefighter Crawford, who was wearing a seat belt at the time, died from injuries sustained in the crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Crawford family.
Will Hawkins, 22 of Reno, Nevada 07-10-2016
While investigating lightning strikes in the area, two firefighters were killed and one firefighter was injured when, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol, the fire department vehicle they were traveling in on Nevada State Route 140 (near Denio, Nevada) had a tire failure and overturned. Firefighters Jacob O’Malley, the vehicle operator, and Will Hawkins died from injuries sustained in the crash. The condition of the third firefighter, Zachary McElroy, who was flown to the Renown Regional Medical Center, was reported as having been stabilized with non-life-threatening injuries. The vehicle crash remains under investigation by authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hawkins family.
Jacob O'Malley, 27 of Reno, Nevada 07-10-2016
While investigating lightning strikes in the area, two firefighters were killed and one firefighter was injured when, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol, the fire department vehicle they were traveling in on Nevada State Route 140 (near Denio, Nevada) had a tire failure and overturned. Firefighters Jacob O’Malley, the vehicle operator, and Will Hawkins died from injuries sustained in the crash. The condition of the third firefighter, Zachary McElroy, who was flown to the Renown Regional Medical Center, was reported as having been stabilized with non-life-threatening injuries. The vehicle crash remains under investigation by authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the O'Malley family.
Mitch Koski, 56 of Montreal, Wisconsin 07-11-2016
Assistant Chief Koski of the Montreal Fire Department was responding under a mutual aid agreement with the Saxon-Gurney Fire Department to people in distress in Saxon Harbor after making radio contact with the Saxon-Gurney Fire Chief. The private vehicle that Assistant Chief Koski responded in was washed into the harbor by the flash flood waters and Assistant Chief Koski perished from drowning. Our thougts and prayers are with the Koski family.
Tim McClanahan, 46 of Lewes, Delaware 07-11-2016
Firefighter McClanahan died after falling from a helicopter while participating in a monthly “hoist training” exercise with the Delaware Air Rescue Team at the Delaware Coastal Airport. The helicopter immediately landed and the trooper medic and volunteer firefighter on board began to provide medical assistance. Firefighter McClanahan was taken to Beebe Healthcare, where he was pronounced dead. The fatal incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration, state and local authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McClanahan family.
Richard N. Zadorozny, 66 of Eatontown, New Jersey 07-11-2016
Along with his fire department, Chief Engineer Zadorozny was
dispatched for an odor of natural gas at a local apartment complex.
Operating the first responding apparatus, Zadorozny and his crew arrived
on scene to investigate the incident. The odor was eventually
unfounded and the apparatus returned to quarters. Chief Engineer Zadorozny returned to his home for the evening and, a few
hours later, suffered a medical event (likely cardiac). EMS responded
to Zadorozny's home, but were unable to revive him. Zadorozny was
pronounced dead a short time later. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zadorozny family.
Eric Kohlbauer, 52 of Freeport, Illinois 07-12-2016
Captain Kohlbauer was working with other members of his fire department
on a pumper relay drill when he suddenly collapsed and fell face forward
into a dump tank of water. Fellow responders immediately placed
Kohlbauer on the ground and rendered medical aid, including AED. Within
minutes, Captain Kohlbauer was transported to the hospital where,
despite all best efforts, he succumbed to his injury reported to have
been an aortic rupture.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kohlbauer family.
Joseph T. DeMarinis, 32 of Clermont, Florida 07-14-2016
Several hours after getting off of his duty shift which included several
emergency response calls, Firefighter DeMarinis checked himself into
the hospital where he passed away from a reported cardiac event.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the DeMarinis family.
John Scott, 71 of Owego, New York 07-20-2016
While performing maintenance on a county radio tower, Fire Coordinator Scott was struck when the driver of a county vehicle was backing up. Scott was then transported to UHS Wilson Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Scott family.
Donald R. Ishman, 60 of Cyclone, Pennsylvania 07-23-2016
After helping out on a public service detail, Firefighter Ishman was
attempting to guide the driver of the tanker truck, who was backing into
the station, when he was accidently struck and killed. Firefighter
Ishman, the former fire chief of the department, was pronounced dead at
the scene by the McKean County Coroner.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ishman family.
Gabriel Garnet Lee, 42 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 07-23-2016
Firefighter Lee was found unresponsive in the gym of the firehouse
several hours after responding to a fire call. Lee was treated by fellow
responders then taken to Temple University Hospital where he was
pronounced dead. The nature of fatal injury is still to be determined.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lee family.
Edward Austin Gosgrove Jr., 53 of Utica, Missouri 07-24-2016
Firefighter Cosgrove responded to a recreational vehicle on fire. On
arrival, Firefighter Cosgrove was performing or assisting with hoseline
advancement to perform fire suppression, when he became ill. Emergency
care was initiated at the scene and Firefighter Cosgrove was transported
to a local hospital in cardiac arrest where he was pronounced dead a
short time later.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gosgrove family.
Charles Waterbury, 56 of Oxford, New Hampshire 07-24-2016
Firefighter Waterbury suffered a medical emergency while fighting a
brush fire in Lyme, New Hampshire. Firefighter Waterbury was transported
to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center where he was pronounced dead from
nature of fatal injury still to be determined.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Waterbury family.
Robert Oliver Reagan III, 35 of Sacramento, California 07-26-2016
Dozer Operator Reagan was fatally injured during night time operations when his bulldozer overturned while operating in steep terrain battling the Soberanes Fire in the Palo Colorado Canyon vicinity of California. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Reagan family.
Michael Lee Schultz, 47 of Hoyt, Kansas 07-27-2016
Captain Schultz was killed when the tanker he was operating lost a front tire and crashed off of the roadway, rolling over several times. A second firefighter was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The pair of firefighters were on their way to a county fair parade when the fatal crash occurred. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schultz family.
Paul Price, Sr., 63 of Audubon, New Jersey 08-11-2016
The Audubon Fire Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with a utility pole and wires down. Safety Officer Price was one of the personnel who answered the alarm by responding to the fire station. One apparatus responded prior to Price arriving at the station. The responding apparatus and personnel mitigated the incident. Safety Officer Price remained at the fire station while the call was ongoing. Upon the return of the apparatus to the fire station, Price assisted the personnel with placing the apparatus back into service. He then left the station and later that evening attended a town Emergency Management meeting. Safety Officer Price returned home later that night and was discovered the following morning by a family member already deceased due to a likely cardiac event. EMS responded for the pronouncement, as no life-saving measures were warranted. Safety Officer Price was a former Assistant Fire Chief with Audubon Fire Department and a retired Deputy Fire Chief with the Camden City Fire Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Price family.
Justin Beebe, 26 of Missoula, Montana 08-13-2016
Firefighter Justin Beebe, a Lolo Interagency Hotshot crew member, succumbed to injuries after being struck by a dead tree during firefighting efforts on the Strawberry Fire at Great Basin National Park in Nevada. Our thoughts and prayers are wwith the Beebe family.
Ian Howard, 36 of Quincy, California 08-21-2016
Engine Operator Ian Howard was assigned to Engine 16 from the Beckwourth Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest and prepositioned for firefighting at the Paskenta Work Center on the Mendocino National Forest. Howard was stationed overnight in Corning, California, where he was found in the morning deceased from a nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Howard family.
Todd L. Hartlein, 49 of Matthews, Missouri 08-24-2016
Assistant Fire Chief Todd Hartlein suffered a fatal medical emergency shortly after responding to a vehicle crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hartlein family.
Keith Lane, 53 of Oceanside, New York 08-27-2016
On August 27th at 0935hrs, Firefighter Lane responded with the Oceanside Fire Department to the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Later that evening at 2110hrs, emergency dispatch received a call from Firefighter Lane's daughter stating that Firefighter Lane was on the floor in his house and was unresponsive. Ambulance 242A responded along with other personnel and determined that Firefighter Lane had passed away some hours earlier of an apparent heart attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lane family.
James Shelifoe, Jr., 23 of Baraga, Michigan 08-27-2016
Firefighters James Shelifoe, Jr., and Alan Swartz were killed when the fire apparatus (crew vehicle) they were riding in on Interstate 35W near Blaine, Minnesota, crashed into the median barrier and rolled a number of times. Several other firefighters riding in the truck were seriously injured and transported to the hospital. The firefighters, members of the Beartown Fire Department’s Type 2 wild land handcrew, were on their way to work the Box Canyon Fire in Utah when the crash occurred. The fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shelifoe family.
Alan Swartz, 25 of Baraga, Michigan 08-27-2016
Firefighters Alan Swartz and James Shelifoe, Jr. were killed when the fire apparatus (crew vehicle) they were riding in on Interstate 35W near Blaine, Minnesota, crashed into the median barrier and rolled a number of times. Several other firefighters riding in the truck were seriously injured and transported to the hospital. The firefighters, members of the Beartown Fire Department’s Type 2 wild land hand crew, were on their way to work the Box Canyon Fire in Utah when the crash occurred. The fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Swartz family.
Spencer J. Chauvin, 36 of Laplace, Louisiana 08-28-2016
While working at the scene of a single vehicle accident on Westbound Interstate 10, District Fire Chief Spencer J. Chauvin was struck and killed by a charter bus that crashed into the accident scene. A passenger in a vehicle at the scene was also killed and many others were injured including two firefighters who received non-life threatening injuries in the incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chauvin family.
Colby Slaughter, 36 of Wink, Texas 09-07-2016
In response to a tank battery fire, Firefighter Colby Slaughter was driving a fire apparatus with its emergency warning lights and sirens on. While traveling westbound on State Highway 302, the fire apparatus was struck head-on by a semi-water hauler traveling eastbound as it attempted to pass other eastbound traffic. Firefighter Slaughter passed away on-scene from injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the semi-water hauler and one other firefighter in the apparatus were injured and airlifted to the hospital. Reports indicate that it was raining at the time of the crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Slaughter family.
Eric C. Gustafson, 40 of Meridian, Mississippi 09-09-2016
Senior Firefighter Eric Gustafson was driving a fire truck in response to a trailer fire. While en route, the fire truck clipped a bridge, ran off the road and rolled over injuring Gustafson and two other firefighters. Gustafson passed away at the scene from the injuries he sustained. Both of the other firefighters were transported to hospitals with serious injuries, but are expected to make a full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gustafson family.
Lowell Satterwhite, 68 of Dakota City, Nebraska 09-11-2016
Firefighter Lowell Satterwhite responded to an emergency call at 1130hrs on 09/10/2016. Later that day, he returned home and went to sleep. At approximately 0030hrs on 09/11/2016, Firefighter Satterwhite suffered an apparent heart attack and was transported to a hospital in Sioux City, IA, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Satterwhite family.
Daniel P. McCann,III, 51 of Manasquan, New Jersey 09-16-2016
On the evening of 9/15/16, Chief Engineer McCann was participating in a scheduled firematic training drill with his company. Upon conclusion of the drill, he returned home for the night. A few hours later, McCann suffered a medical event (likely cardiac). Chief Engineer McCann was found in the morning having succumbed to his injury. EMS responded to his home but they were unable to revive him and he was pronounced deceased a short time later. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McCann family.
Charles E. Horan, 61 of North Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania 09-21-2016
While preparing to leave home for a response call to assist law enforcement gain access to the roof of a building, Fire Safety Officer Horan tripped and fell, suffering a severe injury. Safety Officer Horan was treated by fellow responders and transported to the hospital where, despite all efforts, he succumbed to his injuries several days later. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Horan family.
Ryan Osler, 38 of Canarillo, California 09-21-2016
Ventura County Fire Engineer Ryan Osler died from injuries sustained in a fire apparatus crash while it was negotiating a traffic circle enroute to the Canyon Fire on Vandenburg Air Force Base. According to media reports, the water tender truck was loaded with 2,000 gallons of water and struck a curb in the roundabout then overturned. Two Firefighters were in the vehicle when it crashed. The passenger (Engineer Osler) was killed, while the driver suffered minor injuries. The fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Osler family.
Jerry W. Fickes, 51 of Wilmington, Delaware 09-24-2016
In the early morning hours of September 24th, Wilmington firefighters were dispatched to a burning brick row home on the 1900 block of Lakeview Road. Soon after arrival, believing that there were still residents trapped in the home, firefighters entered the structure. While searching the interior, several firefighters fell through a collapsing floor killing two of them: Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes, 51.
A third firefighter involved and seriously injured at the scene while attempting to rescue her brother firefighters, Senior Firefighter Ardythe “Ardy” Hope, succumbed to her injuries on December 1st, 2016.
A fourth firefighter seriously injured in the incident, Firefighter Brad Speakman, was released from the hospital more than a month after the fire and continues
to recover from those injuries.
The family in the home at the time of the fire, including six children, managed to escape through the back of the residence. One of those residents, Beatrice Fana-Ruiz, the daughter of the homeowner, has been charged with arson and murder for intentionally setting the fire.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fickes family.
Christopher M. Leach, 41 of Wilmington, Delaware 09-24-2016
In the early morning hours of September 24th, Wilmington firefighters were dispatched to a burning brick row home on the 1900 block of Lakeview Road. Soon after arrival, believing that there were still residents trapped in the home, firefighters entered the structure. While searching the interior, several firefighters fell through a collapsing floor killing two of them: Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes, 51.
A third firefighter involved and seriously injured at the scene while attempting to rescue her brother firefighters, Senior Firefighter Ardythe “Ardy” Hope, succumbed to her injuries on December 1st, 2016.
A fourth firefighter seriously injured in the incident, Firefighter Brad Speakman, was released from the hospital more than a month after the fire and continues to recover from those injuries.
The family in the home at the time of the fire, including six children, managed to escape through the back of the residence. One of those residents, Beatrice Fana-Ruiz, the daughter of the homeowner, has been charged with arson and murder for intentionally setting the fire.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Leach family.
Sean McMullin, 46 of Manchester, Missouri 09-24-2016
Firefighter/Paramedic Sean McMullin was found unresponsive while on-duty at West County EMS & Fire Protection District Station 2. Fellow responders initiated lifesaving efforts, but were unsuccessful. The nature and cause of McMullin's fatal injury have not been reported. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McMullin family.
Michael J. Fahy, 44 of Brooklyn, New York 09-27-2016
Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy was struck and killed by debris when a 2-story private residence under investigation for an illicit drug manufacturing operation exploded. Firefighters had first responded to a report of a gas smell at the location and found the drug lab, notifying police, but the house exploded before the situation could be fully assessed and mitigated. The fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fahy family.
Wilmington firefighters Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes, 51, were also killed in the fire and Firefighter Brad Speakman, who has since been released from the hospital, was seriously injured.
Firefighter/Smokejumper Ray Rubio passed away in the Grandview Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama, from injuries he suffered in a fall on November 23, 2016. Rubio, a Smokejumper (RAC 95) with the Redmond Air Center (RAC) - Deschutes National Forest, had been assigned to the Southeast during an outbreak of multiple large fires in the region. Firefighter Rubio was reported to have been in travel status on his way home to Oregon and staying overnight in Birmingham at the time of his injury. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rubio family.