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 Big Elm Volunteer Fire Company firefighter suffered a medical emergency and was found by others at the fire station
Elkhart Captain Adam “Pugsley” Kuspa suffered a massive pulmonary embolism while recuperating and attending physical therapy
The new lawsuit accuses the city of knowingly endangering firefighters by disbanding the Code X-Ray program designed to flag hazardous abandoned structures
Tallahassee Fire Department engineer Jeffery Atkinson was a 17-year veteran of the department
Comstock Township Fire Chief Edward Switalski died after being struck as he responded to another crash
San Diego-based Cory Iverson was assigned to the blaze northwest of Los Angeles, which has become the fourth largest in California history
Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Sander Cohen and Special Agent Carlos Wolff were both hit by a vehicle when Cohen stopped to help Wolff on the side of the highway
In 2016, 89 firefighters died in the line of the duty, including 23 career firefighters, 56 volunteer and 10 wildland agency members
Homeowner Mary Alice Mark agreed to pay the coverage to Gary and Linda Rose after Captain Jack Henry Rose died in a fire at her home
Bowie Rural Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Charles Patterson was working a hose line when he collapsed
A funeral for Jon Hickey, who was shot in his home after what police called a “domestic-related” incident, will be held today
Montgomery Fire Department Chief Stephen Frye was battling the blaze when he collapsed while operating “the initial attack line”
The report found that among the factors that contributed to the firefighter’s death were a delay in fire suppression, crew integrity and fireground communications
Robert Fitch, 60, helped a rescue crew save someone who was stuck on some cliffs after trying to rescue a pet
The new site of the Stockton Fire Department’s memorial statue will be surrounded by a fence after it was defaced and broken several times
Funds for the nearly $4,000 memorial stone, feauturing the Fireman’s and EMT prayers, came through donations
Keione Boone, a 15-year Detroit Fire Department veteran, died after learning he had lung cancer just three months earlier
Methuen Fire Chief Tim Sheehy announced the passing of firefighter Patrick McKallagat, 37, but no cause of death was reported
The Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Partnership announced that three artists have been chosen as semi-finalists to memorialize the fallen firefighters
Lester Parker and Billy Tucker were sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of setting Parker’s home on fire for insurance money
The project, called Line of Duty Death, was a collaborative effort between Howell, the county fire department and Howard County government
Prosecutors said Lester Parker solicited his nephew to set the fire to collect insurance money
Tom O’Brien’s heirs are going to court 82 years after he died to seek an honor they say he was unfairly denied: a finding of a line-of duty death
Colby Blake was charged with causing death while operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content greater than 0.15 percent
Captain David Moorman collapsed within an hour of arriving home after his shift ended
Former Sandwich Fire Chief Don Rimgale, 77, inspired the character by the same name that Robert De Niro played in the film
Over 900 people gathered to honor Kendall Murphy, who died after being “run over” by another firefighter
Lt. Edward McDonagh, 49, lost his three-year battle against stage 4 colon cancer
Kendall Murphy died after being “run over” by Colby Blake, who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol
Firefighter Scott Compton died of a heart attack after returning home from the fire
Gregory Wood was found on the second floor of his family’s home after it was engulfed in flames
Lester Parker’s daughter, Cheryl Sullivan, testified that she noticed things missing from the house that had been there on Christmas Eve
Department members are mourning the loss of Lieutenant Angie Davis, who was a 16-year fire veteran
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