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.
Hundreds gathered to honor Chicago Fire Captain David Meyer, a father of four, remembered for his selfless service and ultimate sacrifice
Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson called Firefighter/Paramedic Graham Hoffman a devoted public servant and community leader, mourning his loss as a “senseless act”
Assistant Fire Chief Chip Chidester of the Harford Volunteer Fire Company died from an injury sustained while battling a 30-acre brush fire in March
Heavy equipment operator Braden Varney, 36, was killed when his bulldozer rolled over
Although the number of fatalities has dropped in the last 20 years, it is because there are simply fewer fires
The bills were signed in honor of firefighter Victor Breeden, who lost his battle with cancer that he got from inhaling dangerous toxins
Sun Prairie Police Lt. Kevin Konopacki said another firefighter suffered critical injuries and four others were hurt in the explosion
Phoenix Fire Department fire veteran and U.S. Army Captain Juston Doherty died of an unknown cause while on active military duty
West Liberty Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Michael Goodnight was pronounced dead at the scene
Albuquerque police said Nathan Urbany lost control, hit a guardrail and was pronounced dead at the scene
The event in Prescott featured bell tolls and the reading of the names of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who died June 30, 2013
JetBlue will fly firefighters from anywhere in the country free of charge so they can attend the funeral of Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa
Prosecutors said suspect Thomas Kim had been feuding with a female neighbor and set off an explosive device in his apartment “with the intent to kill her”
Austin Fire Department cadet Devon Coney, who had previously worked for the department as a civilian employee for four years, died of an unknown cause
Lt. Benny Hutchins, 62, died two days after he was critically injured in a training exercise at the fire academy
Firefighters being shot and killed in the line of duty is counterintuitive and can’t be treated as normal
The family of Margaret Roberts, a 21-year fire veteran who died of cancer, is fighting with the city of Houston about whether her cancer was caused by her career
Capt. David Mains, former Maine firefighter of the year, was pronounced dead at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was flown by a medical helicopter
Consider scene security, extra precautions for calls involving violence after fire captain dies in attack on responding firefighters
Thomas Kim was arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and arson but investigators are still trying to determine a motive for the attack
A Long Beach Fire Department (Calif.) fire captain was killed and another firefighter and civilian were injured in a shooting
Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District firefighter Joe Patterson was fatally injured while working with compressed air cylinders
Fire Captain Dave Rosa died after being transported to the hospital in critical condition
Buffalo Grove officials said they aim to overturn a ruling that granted Kevin Hauber’s benefits to his family after he died of job-related colon cancer
The city of Madison honored Richard Garner Jr., who died in the line of duty, by naming Engine 10 in his memory
Brighton Volunteer Fire Company firefighters responded to a call and found their colleague, Robert House, inside the pickup truck
The Charleston Fire Department will hold a commemoration ceremony to honor the nine firefighters who died while battling a blaze at the Sofa Super Store in 2007
Roadway incidents and cardiovascular health are the biggest dangers to firefighters as reported by the NFPA LODD research
Amelia County Volunteer Fire Department firefighter William Moore IV, 48, suffered a medical emergency during a training exercise
FDNY firefighter William Tolley was remembered by fans at the Bay Area Death Fest with a touching video about how he and his band helped inspire death metal
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
