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.
Jan. 23, 2005, marked the first time since 1918 that FDNY members had died in separate calls on the same day
A mayday followed by a partial roof collapse left one firefighter dead and at least four others in serious condition
Fire Apparatus Engineer Kevin Skinner, a 25-year Orange County Fire Authority veteran, collapsed after searching for residents in a Laguna Niguel house fire
Chief James Belot was inducted into the Connecticut State Firefighter Association Hall of Fame in 2013
John Cammack, 76, was filling a tanker truck when the wind shifted, sending the fire in his direction
The medical examiner ruled Kevin Bell, 48, died of asphyxiation but has declined to release the toxicology results
Hundreds of first responders came to pay their respects to Kelly Wong
A passing car lost control and hit Chief Edward Switalski; crews tried to revive him but were unsuccessful
Lawrence Matthews, 36, collapsed at a house fire; he leaves behind a wife and four kids
The firefighter suffered burns to 70 percent of his body; another firefighter is in critical condition
Chief Eddie Harris, 47, died of an apparent heart attack
Neil Svetanics, 77, was celebrated for his innovation, ambulance service improvement and forging mutual aid pacts
The largest share of deaths occurred while firefighters were responding to and returning from calls
Lt. Bruce Britt died after a concrete walkway collapsed in 2014
A procession was held for Kelly Wong, 29, who fell from an aerial ladder
Firefighter Kelly Wong, 29, fell from an aerial ladder; he leaves behind his wife and an infant son
Firefighters gathered in full dress uniform to recognize those who died in the line of duty
The police file describes a scene with low visibility, firefighters yelling for help and garbled radio transmissions
The former FDNY firefighter died from complications of cancer he contracted while digging through debris at Ground Zero
Firefighter and training officer David Jatczsk had responded to a call before falling out of his chair while watching TV
Engineer Brian Massey, 56, was remembered for his expertise, skill in the firehouse kitchen and his smile
The crash occurred when two firefighters were on their way to a call
He lobbied for the renewal of the Zadroga Act, which provides health benefits to first responders who fell ill after 9/11
Prison officials said Matthew Beck was leading a crew clearing brush to contain a fire
Michael Pacelli Jr. was a 50-year member of the Youngwood Volunteer Hose Company No. 1, where he served as chief from 1971 to 1985
Darrell Plank, 29, suffered a skull fracture after being hit in the head by a metal coupling
Firefighter Scott Deem, 31, died in a four-alarm fire at a shopping center
Chief John Chester, 56, died at home after answering an emergency response call
Firefighter Roger Johns, 63, was serving as a guide when he was struck by a backing apparatus
Lt. James Franklin Dorminy, 55, went to an off-site private gym to workout after shift; he was found floating in a pool by bystanders
Scott Deem, a six-year veteran, was missing and later found dead among the debris
Bud Long was a firefighter for about four decades and served as an assistant fire chief for several years
Jauntae Brown was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison for killing 20-year-old Justin Speights
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