Trending Topics

Pittsburgh battalion chief suffers fatal medical emergency while commanding fireground

Battalion Chief John Walsh died at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital after being stricken while working as the incident commander during a house fire

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Battalion Chief John Walsh died following a medical emergency while working as the incident commander during a house fire in the city’s East Hills neighborhood.

The Pittsburgh Firefighters Union announced that Walsh, 60, who was working as Battalion Chief 3 based in Station 8, died after being transported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital on Nov. 20, CBS Pittsburgh reported.

“His unwavering passion for the job, his courageous service, and his remarkable leadership over 37 dedicated years will never be forgotten,” the union wrote in a social media post. “Chief Walsh embodied the very best of what it means to serve and protect.”

A procession led Walsh’s body from the hospital to the medical examiner’s office. He had been a member for 37 years.

Trending
The blast occurred at the Sheriff’s Enforcement Bureau compound; preliminary information indicates the explosion happened while personnel were handling explosives
The fire police officer was charged after allegedly following a woman, activating emergency lights and confronting her with a radio during a traffic dispute
The search uncovered an engine registered to the “Santa Muerte Fire Department,” which does not exsist
The 2025 Pat Tillman Award for Service acknowledged the commitment and selflessness of two L.A. firefighters who faced “apocalyptic” wildfire conditions