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.
Montgomery County Master Firefighter Chris Higgins was known for being a mentor and serious about his work
Montgomery County Fire Chief Corey Smedley announced the death of the firefighter during a press conference
Firefighter Jeffrey Fiala was honored in a solemn procession as firefighters lined the streets
The firefighter, who was arrested on a DWI charge, had to take regular breathalyzer and drug tests; when he failed a test, he went home and died by suicide
Participants followed the footsteps of Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center on 9/11
Gregory Howard’s wife is traveling to Memphis to get answers after her husband was shot outside of a nightclub
Jennifer Osler’s husband Ryan, an 18-year veteran firefighter, was on his way to a fire when his truck rolled over
The family of Thomas O’Brien may sue the department after they disagreed that he suffered a fatal head injury while on duty
As dusk turns to dark Oct. 7-8, more than 30 landmark buildings will glow in honor of the fallen
Brian Sumrall was on his way to give hay to a cattle owner who was impacted by the hurricane when he was hit by a truck
Of the 190 names added this year, 153 died of work-related cancers and 14 from cancers scientifically linked to 9/11
Retired Carl Junction Fire Chief William Dunn was a firefighter for 54 years
Lt. Kenneth Greene Sr. died of an unknown cause after being transported from the station to a hospital
Battalion Chief John Walka said Capt. Scott Ferguson died after a “a major cardiac event on duty”
After firefighter Luke Jones was killed by a strip club bouncer, his wife called for stricter regulations and training with “Luke’s Law”
Captain Justin Scharschu was driving when a massive tree fell and landed on the road
Lt. Jason Czora began his trip on August 17 at the Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial in Colorado and ended 1,565 miles later in New York
Each of the 343 firefighters carried the name of a firefighter who lost their life responding to the terror attacks
Chief Terry Smerdel was found unresponsive in his office by colleagues and pronounced dead at the scene
A petition issued earlier this year sought at least 1,500 signatures to have a ferry named after fallen firefighter John Chipura
Dennis Rodeman died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver as he collected money for charity
Officials said a firefighter and police officer couple allegedly kept around $12,000 after raising money for families of fallen responders
Battalion Chief Gary Helming was killed in a car crash after battling the Sierra National Forest blaze
Veteran New Orleans Fire Department member Gregory Howard’s body was flown back to New Orleans from Memphis
As beautiful as the sound is, not many know why the Scottish instrument became such a traditional staple at funerals of American firefighters
Capt. Randy Ray Treat, 71, leaves behind his wife and two sons
Mayor Libby Schaaf applauded firefighter Jake Walter for his dedication to helping others
Lt. Dale Clinton Hardemon was looking at a fire department boat with the fire chief when he fell to the ground
Thomas McBride, 60, collapsed after having difficulty breathing during a search and rescue drill
The report said the two men should not have been in an alley next to the three-story brick building
Chief Tom Martin, 65, died in his home after attending live fire training the night before
The firefighters were with a group of colleagues at a local festival when several men confronted them
The main source of water was previously cut during demolition work in the Deutsche Bank fire that killed two firefighters
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