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.
Wyomissing Captain Derrick L. Nester had responded to numerous calls, including a structure fire, and did not show up for his next shift
First responders and fire departments across the country honored the fallen in person and online
Firefighter Joseph Johns served with the Eagan and Eden Prairie fire departments
Brian Kutil, 42, struggled during the 500-meter swim recertification; he was pulled from the water but later died at a hospital
Capt. Franck Tremaine, 58, died at home several hours after the response.
Officials want the department to boost safety procedures, command training and technology in the aftermath of a firefighter Stanley Wilson’s death
Erik Steciak had just been promoted to captain and first joined the volunteer ranks at the age of 14; he was remembered as someone who helped and protected people
If we fail to apply the lessons from the past, we are doomed to learn them again — the hard way
Bobby Ross was criticized for his decisions during a six-alarm blaze that killed a firefighter last year
Chris Tindall, 42, suffered from chest pains after an emergency incident; he went to the hospital, was discharged and later died
Erik Steciak, 29, had worked for the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company since December 2011
Responders used a vehicle equipped with a snow plow to maneuver a patient’s driveway in bad weather; it slid and hit the medic
Long Island volunteer firefighter Joseph Stanford Jr. fell through a floor battling a house fire last week
Ricky Wooten Doub, 61, responded to a call during the day and was later found dead in his home
Those who’ve experienced a LODD revisit that pain with each new firefighter death; fire grants can play a vital role in the firefighter safety puzzle
Hundreds of firefighters from departments across the continent, including contingents from Chicago and Toronto, watched the service on a large screen outside
Brian Johnston, 65, was one year shy of celebrating 50 years with the service
Joyce Craig-Lewis always wanted to be a firefighter and loved her job; she’s the first woman firefighter to die on duty in Philadelphia history
Gus Losleben was driving a fire truck to a house fire when he collided head-on with the log truck
Fire officials said they would not take part in an effort to mislead or deceive members of the department, Bell’s family or the community
Joyce Craig-Lewis, a 36-year-old mother of two and an 11-year veteran, was part of the first company deployed to the basement fire
Firefighter Edwin “Jeff” Wenztel, a 35-year veteran of the department, was struck and killed by a train searching for a missing woman
An inspection of the company’s equipment found numerous safety problems, including empty air tanks
Fire Chief Gerard Dio said the men’s deaths have inspired new research on safer firefighting technology and practices
Lt. John Burns, 50, was found in his bed by fellow firefighters; he had responded to calls earlier during his shift
The 55-year veteran volunteer firefighter suffered a heart attack on Nov. 18 and died today
The attorney said a cultural indifference and lack of accountability led to firefighter Stanley Wilson’s death
Samir “Sam” Ashmar, 51, also served as a volunteer firefighter for 32 years
Art Treon was on scene when he developed chest pains; he later succumbed to his injuries
James Foote, 57, was getting ready to deploy to western New York to assist in the aftermath of the blizzard
The draft criticizes Deputy Chief Bobby Ross’ decision to send firefighters into the apartment complex; it also slams the department’s sloppiness on scene
A new study suggests sleep disorders are prevalent among firefighters and are independent risk factors for the top two causes of death in the line of duty
Lt. James Bethea died of smoke inhalation after falling through a floor at a vacant home, where he remained for hours before an off-duty firefighter called for help
