Trending Topics

Pa. firefighter dies responding to structure fire

The Big Elm Volunteer Fire Company firefighter suffered a medical emergency and was found by others at the fire station

DAGGETT, Pa. — The Big Elm Volunteer Fire Company is mourning the loss of Firefighter and Rescue Captain Roger Lathrop, who died in the line of duty on Jan. 23.

Lathrop died following a medical emergency while responding to a structure fire in Sullivan Township. According to Big Elm Fire Chief Byron Wright, the incident occurred as Lathrop was responding with the department’s tanker, WNEY reported. He was found by other responders at the station, Wright said.

Lathrop was a longstanding member of the Big Elm Volunteer Fire Company, which serves the townships of Jackson, Wells and Rutland, as well as the borough of Roseville in Tioga County.

The fire company has asked the community to keep Lathrop’s family and the department in their thoughts during this difficult time.

“Roger was a dedicated firefighter and leader who will be deeply missed,” the department shared in a statement posted on their Facebook page.

Trending
Officer Dack Thompson completed the 585-hour program to meet dual-role requirements in Rohnert Park’s consolidated police-fire department
Structural damage sidelined Boulder County’s burn buildings, forcing departments to shift live fire training to trailers and out-of-area facilities
A homeowner says the Wagener Fire Department didn’t respond to his house fire, but officials say the property was outside the department’s reduced coverage area as funding concerns persist
A six-month Clark County Fire Department pilot using a paramedic, EMT, and social worker diverted 70% of behavioral health patients from emergency rooms and de-escalated 94% of crisis calls

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.