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.
The report lays out how suspect Wess Roley set a wildfire on Canfield Mountain and lured firefighters into a deadly ambush on the 24th anniversary of the burning of the former Aryan Nations headquarters
A government shutdown has delayed official reporting, but the fire service cannot afford to overlook those who died in the line of duty
Gov. Laura Kelly ordered flags across Kansas to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Carl “Levi” Evans, a Greeley County volunteer firefighter and former deputy sheriff
Lt. Mark Dranbauer remains on life support to fulfill his wish of donating organs
A fundraiser for slain Firefighter/Paramedic Graham Hoffman raised over $100,000 in a day, drawing support from across the globe
Firefighter Mark Keller, who began serving with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department in 1990, is being remembered for his commitment and legacy in the fire service
James Muller’s widow cites poor communication, water overload from deck guns and inadequate training as key failures that led to her husband’s death
One of 13 NIOSH recommendations highlights the department’s proactive mental health response, including mandatory check-ins and peer-led crisis support
In September 2024, a Greene County Fire Rescue battalion chief was killed in an explosion while investigating cargo during a tractor-trailer fire
Understanding the origin, meaning and controversy related to the thin red line flags
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
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
Kansas City Firefighter/Paramedic Graham Hoffman, 29, was critically injured when the patient he was transporting stabbed him in the chest
Chicago police have charged a man with first-degree murder and aggravated arson in connection with the trash fire that killed Capt. David Meyer
A veteran Chicago firefighter died after a garage collapse during a fire, later ruled as human-caused
Captain David Meyer joined the department in 1996 and was assigned to Truck 29
The Taylor County firefighter suffered a pulmonary embolism five days after being injured in a crash
A South Jordan firefighter was discovered unconscious in his room
A Wayne County firefighter and Cleveland Clinic flight medic was killed after being struck by a vehicle while assisting a stranded driver
The Tri-Community firefighter was found in the home’s basement
Investigators faulted the Newark Fire Division for inadequate training, tactical errors and a decision to send firefighters into a hazardous cargo hold
Lafayette Fire Department Sergeant John Robinson was a 29-year veteran of the department
Roy Smith is believed to have been responding to a stranded motorist in high water before his vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree
Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District Junior Firefighter Chevy Gall was killed in a POV crash while responding to a water rescue
Despite recent federal funding cuts, plans for the 2025 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend are moving forward as scheduled, according to event organizers
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Chief Garry Moore was reportedly helping a motorist as severe weather moved across the state
Warrens Firefighter Lori Boelkes became ill while driving home after responding to a motor vehicle crash
NIOSH faces layoffs of staff working on firefighter safety initiatives like the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer and line-of-duty death investigations
We can’t all have FDNY-level staffing, but we must find staffing solutions to enhance fireground operations and survival
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- Criminal charges filed in line-of-duty death of Houston firefighter
- L.A. County firefighter killed in a vehicle explosion
- Jury awards widow, daughters $31.5M in Ill. LODD trial
- Trump signs bill recognizing occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death for officers
- LODD: Ohio FF, flight medic fatally struck while helping a stranded motorist