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.
A Pinedale volunteer firefighter suffered major head trauma during a grass fire
Concord-Green Township Fire Department Chief Ralph Stegbauer and Firefighter Jeffery Skaggs were killed when the mechanical lift they were in fell over
Baltimore fire that killed firefighters Rodney Pitts III and Lt. Dillon Rinaldo ruled accidental, but investigators could not determine the cause
A total of 60 U.S. firefighters died in the line of duty in 2017 – a number that represents the lowest total since 1977
A plaque honoring Firefighter Thomas F. O’Brien was unveiled Tuesday during a brief, poignant ceremony to commemorate his death in October 1935
Douglas Ambrozewycz died from liver failure, a result of him contracting hepatitis C from blood transfusions he received for burns he suffered in a blaze
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue firefighter John Swobody died after a years-long battle with lung cancer
Dakota Snavely was on his way to a water rescue call when he was involved in a vehicle crash
Weatherford Fire Department firefighter Andy Loller suffered a medical emergency while battling the blaze and died while being transported to the hospital
Officials said Ronny Weston, 64, crashed a Solaris 16.8 ultralight aircraft on the Snake River shortly after taking off from a nearby airstrip
Camron McGarity kneeled during the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the eighth annual First Responders Bowl, which was dedicated to fallen responders Paul Bauer and Juan Bucio
Dover Township Fire Department Officer Grant Froman was doing some work on a department truck at his home when he suffered an apparent heart attack
Khanyae Kendall, 19, was sentenced to state prison in the March 2017 crash that killed Lt. Denny DeVoe, who was en route to a fatal hoverboard fire
Juan Bucio was remembered as a man of few words who preferred to let his heroic work do the talking
Engelhard Fire and Rescue Chief Tony Spencer III suffered a cardiac arrest a few hours after participating in a Firefighter I and II hose certification class
A funeral for Juan Bucio will be held Monday at Saint Rita Cascia, a church known for hosting first responder services
Juan Bucio’s family members said his devotion to his job was unquestioned
North Beach Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Captain Patricia Osburn died while on duty
Juan J. Bucio, 46, became separated from his partner while trying to rescue someone from the Chicago River
The wives of Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony alleged the firefighters’ deaths were “caused directly by … negligent, careless, intentional and/or reckless conduct”
The bill makes death benefits retroactively effective Jan. 1 to help the families of firefighters who died while responding to a fatal crash
The family of Kevin Hauber, who died in January after a battle with colon cancer, will receive his annual salary of $101,000 unless the decision is appealed
Attleboro Fire Department firefighter Thomas Cannon, 63, was performing truck and equipment checks when he went into cardiac arrest
Cowskin Rural Fire District firefighter William Brinza III had just arrived on the scene of a structure fire when he suffered a medical event
Hudson Fire Department firefighter Mark Graziano was found unresponsive at his home less than 12 hours after responding to two fire calls
Thelonious “Theo” Adams, who became paralyzed after an apparatus crash during a false alarm call 15 years ago, died from his injuries
The steel was donated in memory of Chicago Fire Department Capt. Herbert Johnson, who traveled to New York with other firefighters to help after the attacks
Carmel Moreault, 54, was battling a blaze at a cardboard box plant when the water-filled shaft fell on him
Jeffrey Holt, 60, had just finished and passed his annual fitness test when he collapsed minutes later
James Silvernail, 74, was remembered for his support of bringing women into the fire service, as well as his devotion to the nonprofit BackStoppers
The 142nd Annual Memorial Service honored firefighters killed in the line of duty for the first time since 1971
Rostraver Volunteer Fire Department veteran fire captain Michael Godzak, who served with the department for nearly 50 years, died after responding to a call
Lt. Edward Alston, 79, died of prostate cancer; he became the first African-American firefighter to serve with the Marine Unit
MOST POPULAR
- Texas firefighter training program’s first instructor dies
- New York Fire Patrol: The story of the NYC’s almost forgotten fire service
- LODD: Calif. inmate firefighter dies after tree falls on him
- Engine donated in memory of fallen firefighter
- Boston Fire Department sues truck maker after NIOSH report