By FireRescue1 Staff
TONAWANDA, N.Y. — A firefighter was found dead in a burning truck Monday.
WIVB reported that Brighton Volunteer Fire Company firefighters responded to a call about a burning pickup truck on the road and found their colleague, Robert House, 64, dead inside.
Chief Andrew Hallnan said no training could prepare them for the incident.
“It was, a lot more difficult of a response,” he said. “Everybody’s speaking about how they’re feeling, make sure that if somebody needs assistance that we identify that and bring in counselors.”
House’s colleagues placed a memorial for him outside of the fire station, with his boots and the number 89.
“Rob had a gigantic heart. He was a good, he was a good man,” Chief Hallnan said. “It’s not often that somebody makes 46 active years, it’s an amazing accomplishment. He at one time was a lieutenant, currently he had been serving with our fire police unit, traffic control.”
Chief Hallnan added that House was always ready to help in any situation.
“You needed something, he was first to volunteer and if you needed something, a problem in your life, help around the house, whatever he would, if he heard about it even if you didn’t call him he would call you and offer any help that he could,” he said.
Police said the incident is under investigation, but no foul play is suspected.