Line-of-Duty Death (LODD)
The FireRescue1 line-of-duty death page provides ongoing coverage and resources related to firefighter deaths that occur while on duty. The page compiles breaking news, incident updates and memorial coverage honoring firefighters who died during emergency response, training or other job-related duties, while helping the fire service stay informed and reflect on lessons that may help prevent future tragedies.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation supports the families of firefighters who die in the line of duty through resources, programs and remembrance efforts that honor fallen fire heroes and help their loved ones rebuild their lives. Learn more about how to support firefighter families through the NFFF.
Milton-Washington Township Firefighter Scott Adams died a day after responding to a motor vehicle accident
A Kansas City woman has been charged in the fatal stabbing of Firefighter/Paramedic Graham Hoffman, days after posting bond in an assault case involving a police officer
Public ceremonies will remember fallen firefighters from 2024 and previous years
Firefighter-Paramedic Robbie Pettingill battled PTSD from job-related stress
Hazmat Firefighter-Paramedic Scott R. Neumann had just returned home after finishing his shift with Martin County Fire Rescue Station 16
Fire departments and landmarks across the country are invited to light their facilities in red to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice
A total of 21 legacy children of fallen first responders graduated from the academy
Patrick Mataraza, an FDNY lieutenant, president of PBFD and friend of the family, said the word resilient best described Richard “Ricky” Tanagretta
Firefighter Kenneth Stavinoha was 36 when he collapsed just outside the Houston Fire Department Station 27 while performing his assigned station duties
Firefighter Randy Pouliot, a 16-year member of the department, was found in the woods with the all-terrain vehicle on top of him
Good policies support a fire department culture of trust, and a culture of trust supports successful execution of a fireground strategy
Firefighter Kenneth Stavinoha was performing his assigned station duties when he experienced a medical emergency and collapsed in the fire station
Battalion Chief Mike Zainfeld, a 25-year firefighting veteran of Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, was on medical leave and was suffered from job-related post-traumatic stress
Firefighter Ed Nulton Sr. was directing traffic when he was struck by a dump truck
Capt. Claud G. Messer was driving a fire truck when a logging truck attempted to make a left-hand turn forcing Messer to hit the brakes and crash into the truck
The seventh annual 9/11 Memorial Stair climb raised over $115,000, with all proceeds going to the NFFF
State troopers escorted the U.S. Honor Flag to eight locations around the state in memory of fallen firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel
Thomas R. Harrigan was found at his home with a gunshot wound to the chest and later died at the hospital
The blast killed Fire Capt. Michael Bell and injured his brother, Fire Chief Terry Bell, five other firefighters, a LEAP worker and an ambulance professional
NYPD detective Joe Paolillo succumbed last week at age 55 to a rare form of cancer
The blast injured four other firefighters, including the town’s fire chief, one employee of the nonprofit center and one ambulance professional
Jeffrey Blaine Alexander, 21, hit a semi-truck that ran a stop sign and was thrown from the pickup and pinned under the vehicle
A supertanker dropped a load of retardant, knocking a Douglas fir onto Matthew Burchett and three other firefighters
Family members and loved ones gathered to honor Firefighter Michael Haub, whose remains were recently identified by a medical examiner
Reading Firefighter Robert Louis Berger was operating a tractor with a backhoe attachment and was digging a hole when he became pinned
More than 400 first responders climbed a total of 110 flights of stairs in honor those who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001
More than 200 FDNY members have died of 9/11-related illnesses since the 2001 terror attacks and cleanup efforts at Ground Zero
The pilgrimage has become an annual tradition for the current and retired FDNY members who comprised the group known as the Fire Riders
Firefighters around the world use tattoos to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice
Thomas R. Harrigan was found at his home with a gunshot wound to the stomach and transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead
Joseph Manuse, 48, served with the Gates-Chili Fire Department since 1989 and was considered a leader in fire prevention education
Midland Fire and Rescue Firefighter-EMT Leann Gray passed away from injuries incurred from a vehicle crash with a motorcycle
Ty Arp is remembered as a great person, a good man and an excellent chief
