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.
Captain Michael Windsay died while working as the acting Fifth District Chief
A Pinedale volunteer firefighter suffered major head trauma during a grass fire
Concord-Green Township Fire Department Chief Ralph Stegbauer and Firefighter Jeffery Skaggs were killed when the mechanical lift they were in fell over
Chief Michael Murphy was taking part in an aquatic event at a high school over the weekend with his 16-year-old son
Luke Harman gave his account of the rescue effort in the trial of Ray Abou-Arab; the blaze killed firefighters James Dickman and Stephen Machcinski
No matter how conditioned we think we are to death, losing a fellow firefighter to cancer never gets easy
Khanyae Kendall, 19, faces multiple charges, including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence
William Gerace was advancing hose line during live burn training when he suffered a spiral fracture to his right fibula
Jeremy Henggeler said he was “irate” because the traffic caused him to lose business “all because some agent of the state died”
Kevin Bell, a six-year veteran, was the department’s first firefighter in 40 years to die in the line of duty
Jerome Boyd, a 30-year veteran with LAFD, rear-ended a pickup truck in his city-owned vehicle while on duty
Firefighter Dave Lemponen, a 60-year veteran, was directing traffic near an intersection when he was struck
A colleague choked back tears as he pledged that Ladder 135 would make sure William Tolley’s daughter was taken care of
William Tolley’s wife shook mourners’ hands as his daughter sat on a stool with a teddy bear and balloon
Ray Abou-Arab is on trial for the deaths of 31-year-old James Dickman and 42-year-old Stephen Machcinski
The two men have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and arson
Marie Tolley said that she’s grateful for the foundation’s support and for the support of the FDNY
Thane “Bobby” Lucas was burning garbage when something inside exploded and struck him in the neck
William Tolley, 42, was getting in the bucket or had just gotten in it when he fell five stories to his death
The FDNY Foundation has set up an educational fund for 8-year-old Isabella Tolley
William Tolley, 42, died after falling from a five-story building at the scene of a fire
William Tolley was on the roof of an apartment building when he fell; he leaves behind his wife and daughter
Ron Herens, 23, was remembered for his ever-present smile and love for firefighting
Kyle Jameson, 34, died after a battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in May 2016
Eric “Bubba” Pennell was transported to a medical facility, where he later died
Lt. Joyce Craig was killed December 2014 while battling a wind-whipped house fire
Ron Herens, 23, was killed by a suspected drunk driver while on vacation in Los Angeles
Lt. John “Skillet” Ulmschneider was shot to death while trying to help a man in apparent medical distress last year
Chief James “Jim” Benken died following a duty shift and Chief John E. Cooper died at home
Robert “Bert” Mentrasti responded to the World Trade Center attacks as part of a technical rescue team
Charles “Rick” Gentilcore, 52, was promoted to the rank of Master Firefighter at his funeral
Jose Samaniego, 33, was hospitalized with a serious illness, but he did not respond to treatment and declined rapidly
Natasha Rivera was 17 years old when her father died after collapsing at a fire
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