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.
Two of the five firearms purchased were used to shoot Burnsville Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and Firefighter-Paramedic Adam Finseth
Battalion Chief John Walsh died at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital after being stricken while working as the incident commander during a house fire
Between the Boulder and Miami incidents, too many deaths and injuries have occurred secondary to training incidents where live fire was a factor
William “Iron Bill” Dowling, 43, lost both of his legs and suffered brain damage during a 5-alarm hotel fire in 2013
A 2-foot statue of firefighter Scott Hickinbotham has been at his gravesite for the last two years
Battalion Chief Michael Fahy was was killed in a house explosion while on duty September 2016
Crews responded to a fire one day after Michael Norton died unexpectedly
One proposal discussed at the meeting suggests the building should be bought and used as a training site; others wanted the station to serve as a museum
Michael Norton, 38, was found at home in medical distress after working a structure fire
Patrick Wolterman’s colleagues, chief and wife attended the hearing
Terrance “Terry” Edward Shafer fell ill at a family cabin in Minnesota after his shift
Richard Kaplan died at his home Jan. 23 after answering four calls the day before
James Franciskovich, 52, was traveling with two other firefighters to a training exercise when their fire department vehicle overturned
Volunteer firefighter Ron Savage, 63, suffered a cardiac event while training Saturday
Ron Savage, 63, was well-known throughout his community as a firefighter and news anchor and reporter
Firefighter Kevin Bell died Oct. 7, 2014 after getting separated from his lieutenant and his SCBA ran out of air during an apartment fire
Michael Dale Russell, 68, is the Leach Fire Department’s first line of duty death
Michael Lanza, 35, leaves behind his wife and two children
Michael Dale Russell was heading to a structure fire when the rig overturned
Crystal Rezzonico suffered a traumatic brain injury after she was ejected from her fire truck eight years ago
Greybull Fire Chief Paul Murdoch, 53, leaves behind his wife and three children
Jim Bell suffered a severe head injury earlier this week while skiing; he was placed on life support before dying
Firefighter Ricardo Catalan was wearing PPE when he came into contact with a live electrical wire
Ryan Osler was responding to a wildfire when the fire truck he was in overturned
Chief Bill Matthews, 73, was found slumped over the steering wheel of a fire truck; he likely suffered a heart attack
FDNY firefighter Robert Newman is the fourth firefighter to die from a 9/11-related illness this year
Defense attorneys said more time is needed to review the large amount of evidence turned over by prosecutors before setting a trial date
Douglas McCauley, 58, fell ill Friday during his lunch break
Firefighter David Lodarski died after he was struck by a drunken driver October 2015
Bruce Britt died when a balcony of a university-owned apartment collapsed during a fire in 2014
When asked if he would still join the fire service knowing he’d get cancer, he said “absolutely”
Firefighter Daniel Capuano, 43, died December 2015 after falling down an elevator shaft while battling a warehouse fire
Sara Thomas, 41, was a 16-year veteran firefighter and well-known throughout the community
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