HOUSTON, Texas — A Houston firefighter died Wednesday after suffering an apparent heart attack at a fire scene.
Sr. Capt. Thomas W. Dillion, 49, a veteran of the department for 23 years, fell ill while fighting a cooking-related apartment fire, according to the Bellaire Examiner.
He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The fire was extinguished quickly and was unrelated to Capt. Dillion’s death.
The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association released the following statement:
The men and women of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association mourn the loss of Senior Captain Thomas W. (“Bill”) Dillion. Senior Captain Dillion died today in the line of duty after fighting a fire at a southwest Houston apartment complex. He passed away after collapsing at the fire scene. Assigned to HFD Station 69, Senior Captain Dillion was an exemplary and well-respected firefighter during his 22-year HFD career. He is survived by three children. Memorial arrangements are pending.
This tragic passing of Senior Captain Dillion reminds us of the inherent dangers of our profession. The HPFFA, the City of Houston and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) are supporting and working with the Dillion family and all affected firefighters during this difficult time. Please keep the Dillion family, as well as the men and women of Station 69 and the city’s fire department, in your thoughts and prayers.