DALLAS — Dallas Fire-Rescue has launched the Lieutenant Todd Krodle Firefighter Rescue Drill to honor a fallen member and strengthen firefighter safety. The drill simulates conditions similar to Krodle’s fatal line-of-duty death in 2011, to improve rescue readiness.
Funded in part by the Lt. Todd W. Krodle Foundation, the prop and training both honor Krodle and apply lessons learned to help prevent future fatalities, according to the city of Dallas.
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On Aug. 14, 2011, Krodle and his crew went to ventilate the roof of a burning apartment. While moving across the roof, the decking failed, and he fell halfway into the attic. A mayday was declared as crews searched from the apartment below and found him entangled in building components and wiring.
Firefighters tried to pull him through but could not. They then used a chainsaw to cut joists and free him. Despite rapid rescue efforts, Krodle died from smoke inhalation.
The department said the drill will become a mandatory part of its training curriculum, ensuring Todd’s legacy and lessons will be passed down to new firefighters.
