| January 3, 2006 – 0839hrs Richard O. Longoria, Firefighter II/Paramedic Age 54, Career Corpus Christi Fire Department, Texas Firefighter Longoria completed a 24-hour shift. During the shift, he responded to a lift-assist incident. Prior to leaving the fire station, Firefighter Longoria complained of not feeling well to other firefighters. Firefighter Longoria left the fire station enroute to his home. When he was approximately 7.6 miles from the fire station, Firefighter Longoria suffered a CVA (stroke). He was found by a passerby lying in the street near his car. Firefighters responded to the incident and provided Firefighter Longoria with emergency medical care. Despite their efforts, Firefighter Longoria was pronounced dead at the scene by a representative of the county medical examiner’ s office. • January 7, 2006 – 0708hrs Amy Lynn Schnearle-Pennywitt, Firefighter Age 34, Career Ann Arbor Fire Department, Michigan Firefighter Schnearle-Pennywitt and her engine company were on the scene of a multiple-vehicle weather-related crash. A light drizzle was falling and black ice conditions were reported on the scene. The incident scene was located in an area that was not visible to drivers until they were almost upon it. Firefighter Schnearle-Pennywitt was wearing structural firefighting protective clothing. As she and her officer walked the scene to assess the severity of injuries to drivers of the vehicles involved in the crash, a Ford F150 pickup truck that was not involved in the initial incident lost control, struck the median wall, struck a vehicle, and then struck Firefighter Schnearle-Pennywitt from behind. The company officer was also struck but was able to come to Firefighter Schnearle-Pennywitt’s side to provide assistance. As additional firefighters arrived on the scene, they discovered Firefighter Schnearle-Pennywitt unconscious, on her side in a ditch. Firefighters provided emergency medical care and prepared her for transport. Firefighter Schnearle-Pennywitt was transported by ambulance to a regional trauma facility. Due to the nature and severity of her injuries, Firefighter Schnearle-Pennywitt was in a coma. She was removed from life support and died on January 13, 2006. The cause of death was listed as brain trauma. • 56 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 January 11, 2006 – 1153hrs David Robert Packard, Lieutenant Age 41, Volunteer Swanzey Fire Department, New Hampshire Lieutenant Packard and the members of his fire department responded to an emergency medical incident on January 10, 2006. The incident involved an 85-year-old man in cardiac arrest. Lieutenant Packard completed his duties at 1730hrs. The next morning, Lieutenant Packard ate breakfast with his family, delivered a bid to a customer, and arrived at a plumbing job site. At 1153hrs, Lieutenant Packard felt ill, called his wife to tell her that he was going to the hospital, and was driven to the hospital by a friend. During travel to the hospital, Lieutenant Packard became unconscious. Upon his arrival at the hospital, he was found to be in cardiac arrest. Hospital emergency room staff attempted to resuscitate Lieutenant Packard for 45 minutes without success. He was pronounced dead at 1300hrs. The cause of death was listed as coronary atherosclerosis. • January 14, 2006 – 1200hrs Jason Allen Johnson, Firefighter Age 28, Volunteer Butler County Fire District #3, Kansas Firefighter Johnson responded to two emergency incidents on the morning of January 14, 2006. His response to the first emergency ended at the fire station when the incident response was cancelled. Firefighter Johnson’s second emergency response was to a wildland fire where he performed very strenuous tasks for approximately 1 hour. After returning home and cleaning up from the wildland fire, Firefighter Johnson left home with members of his family to complete errands. Less than an hour after returning from his second emergency incident, Firefighter Johnson collapsed in his personal vehicle and became unresponsive. Firefighter Johnson was removed from his vehicle, CPR was initiated, and EMS was called. Upon the arrival of EMS responders, an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) was applied but advised that no shock was indicated. Paramedics arrived and provided ALS (Advanced Life Support) level assistance. Firefighter Johnson was transported to the hospital. Despite all of these efforts, Firefighter Johnson was pronounced dead at 1626hrs. Firefighter Johnson’s death was likely caused by a cardiac condition. For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program report F2006-13 (www. cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200613.html). • 57 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 January 20, 2006 – 2336hrs Roger W. Armstrong, Firefighter Age 42, Volunteer Atlanta Fire Department, Illinois Firefighter Armstrong and the members of his fire department were engaged in fighting a mutual-aid house fire. When his SCBA air supply was depleted, Firefighter Armstrong removed the SCBA and sat on the running board of one of the fire apparatus on scene. Firefighter Armstrong complained of not feeling well and was directed to EMS responders on the scene of the incident. Firefighter Armstrong was treated at the scene, his condition worsened, and he was transported to the hospital. Firefighter Armstrong was treated at the hospital but was not revived. He was pronounced dead at 0135hrs on January 21, 2006. The cause of death was listed as a coronary thrombosis (blocked artery). • January 22, 2006 – 1405hrs John Robert “Bobby” Westervelt, Firefighter Age 57, Volunteer Spring Valley Fire Department, New York Firefighter Westervelt and the members of his fire department responded to their fire station for an automatic fire alarm in a senior citizens housing facility. Prior to leaving the fire station, the incident was found to be false and the response was cancelled. Firefighter Westervelt was discovered by firefighters outside of the fire station. He was unresponsive and emergency medical care was initiated. Efforts to revive Firefighter Westervelt at the fire station and after his arrival at the hospital were unsuccessful. His death was caused by a heart attack. • January 23, 2006 – 1330hrs Jack Eugene Arnold, Forest Fire Equipment Operator Age 48, Wildland Full-Time North Carolina Division of Forest Resources, North Carolina Forest Fire Equipment Operator (FFEO) Arnold was on duty the morning of January 23, 2006. He spent the morning working on fire control bulldozers and preparing for an upcoming equipment inspection. Specifically, he removed the belly pans on a bulldozer. This work involved working on his back and maneuvering a 125-pound pan in the area beneath the bulldozer. Immediately after lunch, FFEO Arnold and another firefighter drove to pick up parts at a local automotive parts distributor. FFEO Arnold waited in the vehicle while the other firefighter went into the store. When the firefighter came back to the vehicle, he found FFEO Arnold slumped over the wheel of the truck. FFEO Arnold was unresponsive and the EMS system was activated. Paramedics arrived and transported FFEO Arnold to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The cause of death was listed as severe coronary artery disease. • 58 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 January 26, 2006 – 0918hrs Harold Vernon Taylor, Assistant Chief Age 65, Volunteer Central Warren County Fire Protection District, IL Assistant Chief Taylor and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a structure fire in a residence. When Assistant Chief Taylor arrived at the fire station, he told other firefighters that he had awakened with a severe headache and that he was not going to respond to the incident. The firefighters expressed their concern for Assistant Chief Taylor’s well-being but were told by Assistant Chief Taylor to respond to the incident. After the firefighters departed, Assistant Chief Taylor returned to his residence to change clothes;, he had vomited. When Assistant Chief Taylor arrived home, he collapsed. His wife activated the 9-1-1 system and an ambulance was dispatched to the residence. Assistant Chief Taylor was transported to the hospital but did not survive. The cause of death was listed as a heart attack. • January 28, 2006 – 0430hrs Tracy Champion, Firefighter Age 49, Career Philadelphia Fire Department, Pennsylvania Firefighter Champion and the members of his engine company were first on the scene of a working fire in a rowhouse. Firefighter Champion and another firefighter, while wearing full structural firefighting protective clothing and SCBA, stretched a handline to the rear of the residence in order to fight the fire. After approximately 2 hours on the scene, Firefighter Champion and other firefighters were wetting down debris on the first floor of the structure when Firefighter Champion suddenly collapsed. A medic unit that had recently departed the scene was recalled. Firefighters removed Firefighter Champion from the structure and began emergency medical care. CPR was initiated and an AED was applied as paramedics arrived on the scene. A manual defibrillator was used to deliver three shocks in an attempt to correct Firefighter Champion’s heart rhythm. Firefighter Champion was transported to the hospital and care was continued in the emergency room. Firefighter Champion was pronounced dead at 0525hrs, 55 minutes after his collapse. The cause of death was listed as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program report F2006-09 (www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200609.html). • 59 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 January 30, 2006 – 2220hrs Gary Wayne Kistler, Sr., Firefighter Age 65, Volunteer Saucier Volunteer Fire Department, Mississippi Firefighter Kistler responded to the scene of a motor vehicle crash on January 30, 2006. During the course of work on the scene of the incident, Firefighter Kistler cut his finger. Firefighter Kistler cleaned the wound and continued working on the incident. The day after the incident, Firefighter Kistler complained of not feeling well. Two days after the incident, Firefighter Kistler went to the hospital complaining of pain is his shoulder blade area and a rash in the area of complaint. He was given muscle relaxants and sent home from the hospital. Five days after the incident, Firefighter Kistler returned to the hospital. While in the emergency room, Firefighter Kistler suffered cardiac arrest. He was resuscitated and sent to the hospital’s intensive care unit. On February 5, 2006, 6 days after he was injured, Firefighter Kistler died. The cause of death was listed as septicemia, a blood infection. • February 9, 2006 – 0543hrs Edward Joseph Marbet, Firefighter Age 31, Volunteer Burlington Township Fire Department, New Jersey Firefighter Marbet was asleep in his residence when he was awakened by a smoke alarm. He rose from the bed to investigate the source of the alarm. Shortly thereafter, he called to his fiancée and requested that she bring him water. Firefighter Marbet called 9-1-1 to report the fire. He then escorted his fiancée out of the house and closed the door behind her. Firefighter Marbet also told his fiancée to make sure that the other occupant of the residence was removed. After Firefighter Marbet’s fiancée placed a pet into a car in the driveway, she heard Firefighter Marbet calling for help from behind a door. She was unable to open the door. Fire investigators concluded that a fire occurred in a couch. Firefighter Marbet attempted to extinguish the fire in the couch and remove it from the residence. Firefighter Marbet was able to get the couch down a flight of stairs that led to an exit, but the couch became lodged in the stairway. The couch began to burn freely and cut off Firefighter Marbet’s escape route. He was able to retreat to an upper floor of the house, but collapsed prior to reaching a window. Firefighters arriving on the scene found a well-developed fire. After the fire was extinguished, the body of Firefighter Marbet was located. An autopsy listed the cause of death as smoke inhalation. • 60 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 February 21, 2006 – 2150hrs Lloyd B. McCulloch, Captain Age 63, Volunteer Moulton Fire Department, Alabama Dustin Keith Jones, Firefighter Age 23, Volunteer Moulton Fire Department, Alabama Captain McCulloch and Firefighter Jones responded with other members of their fire department to a structure fire in a single-story commercial building. The fire fight involved a number of fire departments and stretched over a period of hours. Approximately 4 hours after the initial alarm, Captain McCulloch, Firefighter Jones, and another firefighter stretched a handline to the front of the store to extinguish hot spots. As the firefighters worked, an overhead awning collapsed inward toward the firefighters, and the front wall of the building collapsed outward. Captain McCulloch and Firefighter Jones were buried in debris. Firefighters on the scene summoned help and attempted to remove debris and locate the trapped firefighters. Airbags were used to lift portions of the collapsed building and both trapped firefighters were located approximately 20 minutes after the collapse. Both firefighters were pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death for both firefighters was listed as multiple blunt force trauma. For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program report F2006-07 (www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200607.html). • February 22, 2006 – 1810hrs Robert “Ockie” Wisting, Firefighter Age 77, Volunteer Middle Township Fire District #2, Rio Grande Volunteer Fire Company, New Jersey Firefighter Wisting and the members of his fire department were at their fire station engaged in a weekly drill. A passerby stopped at the station and reported a smoke condition on a street near the fire station. Firefighters responded and found that the source of the smoke was stacks at a local generating plant. The incident was concluded and firefighters returned to the fire station by 2051hrs. Firefighter Wisting complained to other firefighters that he did not feel well. He went home and slept until 1500hrs the next day. Firefighter Wisting took his dog outside to his yard. While in the yard, Firefighter Wisting collapsed of a sudden heart attack. Firefighters and rescue squad personnel responded and provided treatment for Firefighter Wisting. He was transported to the hospital but was later pronounced dead. The cause of death was listed as hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. • 61 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 March 1, 2006 – 1657hrs John Destry Horton, Firefighter/Paramedic Age 32, Volunteer Acme Fire Department, Chickasha, Oklahoma Firefighter/Paramedic Horton and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a wildland fire as mutual- aid to the Duncan Fire Department. Upon their arrival on the scene, Firefighter/Paramedic Horton and another Acme firefighter were assigned to attack a portion of the fire. Firefighter/Paramedic Horton drove the brush apparatus from a burned portion of land to an unburned area to access another approach to the fire. Firefighter/Paramedic Horton was wearing structural firefighting protective trousers but no other protective clothing. The apparatus was being turned around when a sudden wind shift occurred. As he attempted to drive to an area of safety, the fire overtook Firefighter/Paramedic Horton’s apparatus. Firefighter/Paramedic Horton left the cab of the apparatus to provide assistance to the other Acme firefighter. In the process, his helmet fell off and he received severe upper body burns, burns to his feet, and respiratory burns. Firefighter/Paramedic Horton was transported by medical helicopter to a regional burn center in Oklahoma City. Firefighter/Paramedic Horton died as a result of his burns on March 24, 2006 at 2130hrs. The cause of death was listed as multisystem organ failure. In addition to his membership in the Acme Fire Department, Firefighter/Paramedic Horton was a career firefighter with the Chickasha Fire Department. • March 3, 2006 – 2116hrs Robert John Schnibbe, Jr., Battalion Chief Age 57, Part-Time (Paid) Hastings-on-Hudson Volunteer Fire Department, New York Battalion Chief Schnibbe and the members of his fire department were dispatched to assist with a working residential structure fire in the Village of Irvington. In his role as mutual-aid coordinator, Battalion Chief Schnibbe responded directly to the scene while other members of his department stood by for coverage at the Irvington fire station. Battalion Chief Schnibbe was leaving the scene to return to his car when he suddenly collapsed. Emergency medical care was provided and Battalion Chief Schnibbe was transported to the hospital. Battalion Chief Schnibbe was pronounced dead at the hospital. The cause of death was listed as occlusive coronary atherosclerosis. • March 5, 2006 – 1720hrs Wayne Edward “Butch” Yarborough, Lieutenant Age 59, Volunteer Waynesville Fire Department, North Carolina Lieutenant Yarborough and the members of his fire department responded to a small grass fire behind an apartment complex. The fire appeared to be a controlled burn that was left unattended. The fire was extinguished with a 1-1/2-inch handline. The total burned area was approximately 100 square feet. continued on next page 62 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 Lieutenant Yarborough assisted with extinguishment of the fire and helped to repack the hoseline back onto the apparatus. After the apparatus returned to the fire station, Lieutenant Yarborough returned to his home. Shortly after eating dinner, Lieutenant Yarborough collapsed. Family members called 9-1-1. Arriving responders provided CPR and Lieutenant Yarborough was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The cause of death was listed as hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. • March 8, 2006 – 0045hrs Michael Lynn Davenport, Inmate Firefighter Age 39, Volunteer Mississippi Department of Corrections - Parchman Volunteer Fire Department, Mississippi Firefighter Davenport was a member of the volunteer fire department of the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. He and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a residential structure fire in the community. Firefighters discovered a fire in the attic of a split-level house. Firefighter Davenport and other firefighters worked on the second floor of the structure and attempted to access the fire. Firefighters were driven from the house due to intense heat. Firefighter Davenport became disoriented in the structure and collapsed of smoke inhalation. • March 11, 2006 – Time Unknown Jeffrey A. Bowman, Lieutenant Age 42, Career Chattanooga Fire Department, Tennessee Lieutenant Bowman worked a 24-hour shift beginning at 0700hrs on March 9, 2006. During the shift, he responded to three incidents and performed normal station-level duties and training. The incident responses included an arcing power line, a food on the stove fire in a multifamily residence, and an EMS incident. After his shift ended on the morning of March 10, 2006, Lieutenant Bowman returned home. He exercised twice during the day and had dinner with family and friends that evening. He was last seen alive while sleeping on the couch at approximately 2200hrs. At approximately 0900hrs the morning of March 11, 2006, Lieutenant Bowman was discovered deceased on the couch by his wife. The cause of death was listed as hypertensive heart disease. For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program report F2006-21 (www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200621.html). • 63 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 March 12, 2006 – 1236hrs Donald Bernard Lalosh, Firefighter Age 49, Volunteer Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department, New York Firefighter Lalosh participated in the annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Halcottsville, New York. Firefighter Lalosh carried and played a bass drum. During the parade, Firefighter Lalosh stepped out of the procession, removed his drum, and sat down. As his fire department’s ambulance approached in the parade, Firefighter Lalosh began to walk toward the ambulance when he collapsed. Firefighters and EMS workers provided assistance and Firefighter Lalosh was placed in the ambulance. Paramedics met the ambulance on the road to the hospital and continued care. Firefighter Lalosh was reported to be talking upon his arrival at the hospital but died shortly after arriving. The death was caused by a heart attack. • March 12, 2006 – 1900hrs James Wilson McMorries, Jr., Firefighter Age 62, Volunteer Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department, Texas Firefighter McMorries was operating a fire department water tender on the scene of a wildland fire. The vehicle was a converted military 6X6, 2-1/2 ton flatbed truck. A nonbaffled 1,000-gallon water tank, pump, and piping had been installed on the vehicle by members of the Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department. The fire occurred during a period of high fire activity in the Texas panhandle. Firefighter McMorries and his crew had been on the scene of the incident for over 7 hours. The apparatus was assigned to drive along the side of a freeway and extinguish fire. As the apparatus proceeded at a low speed, the firefighter on the front bumper signaled to Firefighter McMorries that the fire was approaching their position. As the apparatus was placed in reverse, the rear wheels lost traction in the sand and the apparatus began to roll over. The apparatus rolled over once into a ravine, ejecting Firefighter McMorries and two other firefighters. Firefighter McMorries was not wearing a seatbelt. Firefighter McMorries received severe injuries, including a major head injury, spinal injuries, a broken back and broken ribs, and collapsed lungs. He suffered multiple CVAs during his hospital care and the decision to remove him from life support was made by his family. He died on April 9, 2006. The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office prepared a detailed report on this incident. The report is available at www.tdi. state.tx.us/fire/fmloddinvesti.html • 64 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 March 13, 2006 – 1140hrs Patrick George Henry, Captain Age 54, Wildland Full-Time California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Captain Henry completed his mandatory hour-long physical fitness activity. Captain Henry’s workout that day consisted of lap swimming approximately 1 mile. After completing the workout, Captain Henry reported to the Parlin Fork Conservation Camp at 0800hrs. At 0830hrs, he assumed control of an inmate fire crew. At approximately 1030hrs, Captain Henry led his crew on a conditioning hike. At the completion of the hike, Captain Henry returned to his office and told others in the office that his heart did not feel right. Captain Henry stood up and fell to the ground, striking his head on the desk as he fell. Others began CPR and a medical helicopter was summoned. When helicopter paramedics arrived, a defibrillator was attached and a shock was delivered. ALS-level treatment was continued during Captain Henry’s flight to the hospital. Despite these efforts, Captain Henry was not revived. • March 17, 2006 – 2345hrs Kelly Michael Kincaid, Lieutenant Age 41, Paid-on-Call Morganton Department of Public Safety, North Carolina Lieutenant Kincaid had just arrived home from a medical appointment for his wife. His pager sounded with an alarm of fire for two residences located 3 blocks from his home. Kincaid was one of the first firefighters on the scene and he assisted with extending hoselines to the rear of the residences for fire control. While working, Lieutenant Kincaid collapsed. Firefighters found Lieutenant Kincaid without a pulse and not breathing. He was treated and transported to the hospital. Lieutenant Kincaid died as the result of his heart attack on March 19, 2006. Lieutenant Kincaid also served as a Burke County Sheriff’s Deputy. A 34-year-old man was indicted on two felony counts of first degree arson and other charges related to the fires. • March 20, 2006 – 1515hrs Robert Eugene McLaughlin, Captain Age 40, Career Ocean Shores Fire Department, Washington Captain McLaughlin and other members of the Ocean Shores Police and Fire Departments were conducting personal watercraft training at a local beach. Classroom training was completed in the morning and the class moved to the beach at approximately 1220hrs. Captain McLaughlin was wearing a helmet, a personal flotation device, and other safety equipment. continued on next page 65 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 At approximately 1515hrs, Captain McLaughlin was a passenger in a watercraft operated by another firefighter. The watercraft was hit by a rogue wave, rolled over, and both firefighters were dumped into the water. An instructor hovering nearby in another watercraft came to the side of Captain McLaughlin, who had drifted away from his watercraft. Captain McLaughlin advised the instructor that he was too tired to pull himself into the back of the instructor’s watercraft. Captain McLaughlin was provided with a flotation device, but lost control of the device when he reached for the instructor’s watercraft. Captain McLaughlin rolled over onto his face. The instructor entered the water, found Captain McLaughlin to be unconscious, and pulled him to shore. Firefighters on the beach and an offduty nurse immediately began to provide medical care. An ambulance arrived on the scene and Captain McLaughlin was transported to the hospital. He was transported to a regional care facility by aircraft later in the day. Captain McLaughlin died on March 22, 2006, at 0019hrs as a result of near-drowning complications. • March 12, 2006 – 2150hrs Barry Roy Levin, Firefighter Age 58, Volunteer Lawrence Township Volunteer Fire Company Number 3, Pennsylvania Firefighter Levin was driving to the fire station to perform his regular duties of checking security and preparing the furnace for the night. While driving to the station, he suffered an aortic aneurysm and was found slumped over the steering wheel at an intersection. EMS arrived on the scene approximately 10 minutes after being called and found Firefighter Levin unresponsive. He was transported to the hospital, but was not revived. • March 21, 2006 – 1730hrs Shon Everett Rice, Firefighter/EMT Age 34, Career Georgetown County Fire/EMS, South Carolina Firefighter/EMT Rice arrived for duty at his fire station at 0745hrs. During the day, Firefighter/EMT Rice and his crew completed normal station duties. There were no incident responses during the day. Firefighter/EMT Rice was last seen walking around the apparatus bay at approximately 1630hrs. At 1656hrs Firefighter/EMT Rice was found lying face down, unresponsive, without a pulse or respirations in the apparatus bay. CPR and ALS-level EMS care were provided in the fire station and in the ambulance enroute to the hospital. Firefighter/EMT Rice was pronounced dead at the hospital. The cause of death was listed as “probable cardiac arrhythmia,” due to “seizures,” due to “epilepsy.” The autopsy, completed by the county coroner’s office, concluded that Firefighter/EMT Rice most likely died of a “sudden unexplained ventricular arrhythmia or possible seizure.” For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program report F2006-18 (www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200618.html). 66 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 • April 3, 2006 – 1000hrs David Lewis Moore II, Assistant Chief Age 40, Industrial Valero Refinery Fire Brigade, Houston, Texas Assistant Chief Moore was serving as a guest instructor at the Brayton Fire Training Field in College Station, Texas. Assistant Chief Moore was assisting with live-fire training exercises. During rehab, Assistant Chief Moore complained of dizziness and collapsed. Other firefighters began medical care and an ambulance was called. The ambulance arrived 3 minutes after Assistant Chief Moore’s collapse and began ALS-level care. Assistant Chief Moore was transported to the hospital but was not revived. The cause of death was listed as “brain death secondary to brain aneurysm.” • April 4, 2006 – Time Unknown Richard George “Dick” Sullivan, Fire Chief Age 57, Volunteer Horseheads Fire Department, New York Chief Sullivan participated in a live-fire training exercise with members of his fire department during the evening of April 4, 2006. Chief Sullivan assisted with the interior setup of the burn, deployed handlines and a supply line, assisted with pickup after the burn, and helped wash the apparatus upon its return to the fire station. The training activity ended at approximately 2230hrs. Chief Sullivan went home and was discovered deceased the next morning. Chief Sullivan had taken a shower after arriving home, but expired prior to going to bed. The cause of death was a heart attack. • April 7, 2006 – Time Unknown Kurt Edwin Krebbs, Captain Age 45, Career Oceanside Fire Department, California Captain Krebbs fought a stubborn residential structure fire on April 7, 2006. His engine cleared the scene at 2051hrs. Captain Krebbs worked a half shift the next day and went home at approximately 1900hrs on April 8, 2006. He spoke with another firefighter on the telephone during the evening of April 8th but missed an appointment on April 9, 2006. When he failed to report for work the next shift, firefighters went to his home to check on his welfare. They discovered Captain Krebbs deceased in his home. A medical examiner’s report placed the time of Captain Krebbs’ death between midnight and 0800hrs on April 9th. The death was caused by a heart attack. • 67 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 April 8, 2006 - 1627hrs Thomas James “Emmett” Kuehl, Firefighter/EMT Age 38, Volunteer Elkton Volunteer Fire Department, South Dakota Firefighter/EMT Kuehl and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a controlled burn that had gone out of control. The incident was located approximately 10 miles outside of the city. During the fire fight, two fire apparatus became stuck in a field. Firefighter/EMT Kuehl was at the wheel of one of the trucks as it was being pulled by a tractor. The tow rope disengaged from the tractor and the tension in the rope caused it to recoil toward the fire apparatus operated by Firefighter/EMT Kuehl. Firefighter/EMT Kuehl was struck in the forehead area by a shackle attached to the tow rope. Emergency responders were called to the scene and treatment was provided to Firefighter/EMT Kuehl. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital and subsequently transferred by medical helicopter to a regional care facility. Firefighter/EMT Kuehl had sustained a severe head injury and died on April 11, 2006. • April 11, 2006 – 0628hrs Kevin Anthony Apuzzio, Foreman Age 21, Volunteer East Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, New Jersey Foreman Apuzzio and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a residential structure fire. First- arriving police officers removed an occupant from the front porch of the structure. The occupant advised that a 75 year-old woman was trapped in the structure. The East Franklin Fire Chief was the first firefighter on the scene and reported a working structure fire. Police officers informed the chief of the woman trapped in the house Firefighters from the first-arriving engine company entered the structure armed with a thermal imaging camera and a charged hoseline. The firefighters located the trapped fire victim. Foreman Apuzzio and a partner arrived on the second engine. They were also equipped with a thermal imaging camera and were ordered to enter the structure and assist with the removal of the occupant. Foreman Apuzzio and another firefighter could be seen from the outside of the structure dragging the fire victim down a hallway toward the front door. The victim was entangled in something and firefighters were having difficulty moving her. Without warning, a sudden floor collapse occurred and dropped Foreman Apuzzio, two other firefighters, and the fire victim into the basement. A large volume of fire emanated from the hole in the floor, and firefighters close to the hole were removed from the structure and moved to waiting ambulances. Firefighters darkened down the fire in the basement and made access using an attic ladder. One firefighter was able to climb the ladder and escape the basement. Another unconscious firefighter was removed from the basement and brought into the front yard of the house for treatment by EMS responders. An accountability roll call was conducted and Foreman Apuzzio was found to be missing. continued on next page 68 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 Foreman Apuzzio was located by the sound of his PASS device and removed from the basement by fellow firefighters. He was removed from the structure approximately 90 minutes after the collapse and transported to the hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The cause of death was listed as smoke inhalation and 40 percent body surface burns. The fire victim also was killed as a result of the incident. • April 11, 2006 – 2130hrs David E. Smith, Fire Police Officer/Fire Commissioner Age 74, Volunteer Howells Fire Department, New York Fire Police Officer responded with other members of his fire department to a hazardous materials incident at a residence. Approximately 40 gallons of diesel fuel had been spilled. When he arrived on the scene, Fire Police Officer Smith complained of not feeling well. EMS was dispatched to the scene and Fire Police Officer Smith was evaluated and placed in the ambulance. He suffered a heart attack and could not be resuscitated. • April 13, 2006 – 1230hrs Mark Allen Stanley, Forestry Technician Age 49, Wildland Full-Time Tennessee Division of Forestry Forestry Technician Stanley and three other Tennessee Division of Forestry employees were assisting a landowner with a prescribed burn. Forestry Technician Stanley was not wearing head protection. A bulldozer was being used to push over a standing dead tree. Forestry Technician Stanley was talking on the radio to coordinate the response to a wildland fire. As the tree fell, it struck Forestry Technician Stanley. The dozer operator immediately went to the aid of Forestry Technician Stanley. The operator found that he was unconscious and had no vital signs. The operator called for assistance from EMS. Forestry Technician Stanley had received severe head trauma and was transported to the hospital. He was pronounced dead upon arrival. A report on the incident cited two factors contributing to the incident. First, Forestry Technician Stanley was distracted by offsite activities and second, Forestry Technician Stanley was not at least 1-1/2 times the height of the tree from the bulldozer. The cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries. • 69 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 April 15, 2006 – 0855hrs Jose Luis Ramirez, Jr., Firefighter/EMT Age 35, Volunteer Far South Volunteer Fire Department, Chaparral, New Mexico The Far South Volunteer Fire Department was paged to respond to an EMS incident involving a woman in labor. Firefighter/EMT Ramirez responded to the incident in a county-issued pickup truck. During the response, Firefighter/EMT Ramirez was involved in a crash. As his vehicle entered a curve, it left the roadway and struck a fire hydrant and a utility pole. Firefighter/EMT Ramirez was not wearing a seatbelt. Firefighters responded to the crash site and extricated Firefighter/EMT Ramirez. He was found to be pulseless. Medical treatment, including CPR, was provided prior to the arrival of paramedics. CPR was discontinued after approximately 30 minutes and after consultation with medical control. Firefighter/EMT Ramirez was pronounced dead at the scene. • April 16, 2006 – 2200hrs Russell Blanton Schwantes, Fire Apparatus Operator Age 39, Career Atlanta Fire-Rescue Department, Georgia Fire Apparatus Operator Schwantes was on duty at an airport fire station. He had reported for duty at approximately 0700hrs and performed normal station duties during the shift. At approximately 2100hrs, he worked out on a treadmill. At approximately 2200hrs, units from his station were dispatched to an incident. Fire Apparatus Operator Schwantes ran to the apparatus floor. When he realized that the call was not for his unit, he returned to the exercise room. Approximately 5 minutes later, Fire Apparatus Operator Schwantes entered the day room, said that he needed help, and collapsed. Firefighters provided assistance, and an ALS ambulance arrived at the station. Fire Apparatus Operator Schwantes was assessed and found to be suffering from an acute heart attack. He was transported to the hospital and subsequently underwent cardiac catheterization and the placement of a stent. Fire Apparatus Operator Schwantes remained in intensive care for 9 days prior to his death on April 25, 2006. For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program report F2006-20 (www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200620.html). • April 16, 2006 – 1945hrs Willie Macon Price, Firefighter Age 58, Volunteer Jamesville Community Volunteer Fire Department, North Carolina Firefighter Price drove one of his fire department’s engines to a standby assignment at a fireworks event. As he stood near the truck and talked with bystanders, he suddenly collapsed of a heart attack. continued on next page 70 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 A bystander provided CPR and an ambulance that was also standing by at the event was summoned. Firefighter Price was transported to the hospital by ambulance. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. • April 19, 2006 – 1800hrs Garry Tanner, Assistant Chief Age 57, Volunteer Pleasantville Volunteer Fire Department, Tennessee Assistant Chief Tanner drove a fire department water tender to the scene of a reported structure fire. The fire was found to involve a clothes dryer, and fire department members were completing their work on the scene. Assistant Chief Tanner told other firefighters that he was going to refill the water tank on the apparatus and refuel the vehicle. As he drove into town, Assistant Chief Tanner was followed by another firefighter. The firefighter following the water tender observed that Assistant Chief Tanner was having some sort of mechanical problem with the vehicle. Prior to entering the town, the apparatus would have to proceed down a steep hill. Rather than enter town with a malfunctioning apparatus, Assistant Chief Tanner chose to drive the apparatus into a gravel pit. As the apparatus entered the pit area down a dirt ramp, Assistant Chief Tanner lost control of the water tender. The vehicle rolled several times and Assistant Chief Tanner was ejected through the windshield. Assistant Chief Tanner was not wearing a seatbelt. He received a fatal head injury. An inspection of the apparatus after the crash found a cracked and leaking brake line. The Tennessee Highway Patrol inspector concluded that the loss of brake fluid would lead to brake failure. • April 21, 2006 – 2130hrs William Lewis Robinson III, Fire Chief Age 39, Volunteer Sarge Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Oklahoma Chief Robinson was participating in a controlled burn of pasture land. He was operating a 6X6 2-1/2 ton military surplus truck that had been converted for firefighting. The water tank on the apparatus had recently been filled. Based on the law enforcement report on the incident, Chief Robinson dismounted the apparatus for an unknown reason and was run over by the left front wheel of the vehicle. Chief Robinson was able to move himself out of the path of the apparatus before the rear wheel passed. His injury was discovered when the apparatus he had been driving rolled forward at a low speed and struck another piece of fire apparatus on the scene. The parking brake of Chief Robinson’s apparatus was non-functional. Chief Robinson was transported to a local hospital, but died of traumatic injuries. A police report on the incident indicated that Chief Robinson was intoxicated at the time of the incident. 71 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 • April 22, 2006 – 0130hrs Joseph Louis Bilka, Firefighter Age 60, Volunteer Antioch-Fishing Creek Volunteer Fire Department, North Carolina Firefighter Bilka was responding to his fire station in his personal vehicle after being dispatched to a smoke investigation. The weather conditions were foggy, and visibility was poor. During the response, Firefighter Bilka rounded a curve and struck a flatbed trailer that was blocking the roadway. Firefighter Bilka was trapped in his vehicle underneath the trailer. Firefighters responding to reports of the crash extricated Firefighter Bilka. He was transported by medical helicopter to a regional medical facility. Firefighter Bilka was hospitalized until his death on May 21, 2006. The cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma. • April 30, 2006 – 1644hrs Alan Dale Leake, Captain Age 51, Career City of Fulton Fire Department, Missouri Captain Leake and his engine crew were on the scene of a three-vehicle motor vehicle crash. It had been raining heavily and when the rain stopped, the weather conditions were hot and humid. As firefighters were clearing the scene of the crash, a law enforcement officer alerted them to a serious crash nearby. Captain Leake and his crew arrived at the scene of the second crash. This incident involved the ejection of one of the drivers. Law enforcement officers were performing CPR on the driver and Captain Leake and a firefighter climbed down an embankment to assist. Paramedics arrived, the driver was placed on a backboard, and Captain Leake assisted with carrying the driver up the embankment to the ambulance. After the patient was transported, Captain Leake stood at the roadside and talked with the fire chief. He told the fire chief that he was feeling dizzy and then suddenly collapsed. Firefighters provided medical care, and another ambulance was called to the scene. Firefighters performed CPR until the arrival of the ambulance. Captain Leake was transported to the hospital but did not survive the incident. His death was caused by a heart attack. • May 4, 2006 – 0120hrs William LeRoy Craddock II, Firefighter III Age 37, Career DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department, Georgia Prior to reporting for duty at 1800hrs on May 3, 2006, Firefighter Craddock conducted and participated in an 8-hour live-fire training exercise. Just after midnight on May 4, 2006, Firefighter Craddock and members of his fire department were dispatched to a residential structure fire. Firefighter Craddock was assigned to a heavy rescue company. continued on next page 72 continued on next page U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 As firefighters arrived on the scene, they found a working fire in a trilevel residence. Firefighter Craddock and his crew advanced an attack line into the structure to engage the fire. The crew breached walls to apply water to the fire and to check for fire spread. Firefighter Craddock’s low-air alarm began to sound and he exited the structure. When Firefighter Craddock emerged from the structure, he and other firefighters removed his protective clothing and his SCBA. Firefighter Craddock’s company officer noticed that Firefighter Craddock did not look well and had him evaluated by paramedics. Despite an improvement in his condition during treatment, a command officer ordered Firefighter Craddock to be transported to the hospital for evaluation. Upon his arrival at the hospital, he began to exhibit signs of a heart attack. His condition worsened and progressively more aggressive life-saving measures were used. Firefighter Craddock was transferred by ambulance to a regional care facility. His condition worsened during the transport. Firefighter Craddock survived his heart attack but remained in critical condition for 39 days. He suffered a number of complications and was removed from life support on June 13, 2006. He died shortly thereafter. For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program report F2006-17 (www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200617.html). • May 14, 2006 – 0430hrs Richard Patrick “Rich” Montoya, Lieutenant Age 61, Career Denver Fire Department, Colorado Lieutenant Montoya’s engine company, along with other Denver Fire Department units, was dispatched to a report of a structure fire in a residence. The caller reported that one person was trapped in the structure. Firefighters arrived on the scene and found a working fire in a two-story structure. Firefighters entered the house to perform a search; they located a victim and removed her from the structure. Lieutenant Montoya’s engine company laid a supply line from a hydrant and advanced an attack line into the structure. Firefighters advanced the attack line to the second story. Lieutenant Montoya, who had been on the nozzle, gave the nozzle to his firefighter. Smoke and heat conditions on the second floor began to worsen. Firefighters had difficulty in finding the fire. The ceiling was opened and water was applied to the attic. Lieutenant Montoya’s firefighter communicated with Lieutenant Montoya that the crew should go back to the stairs to regroup. Thinking Lieutenant Montoya had exited before him, the firefighter left the structure. Firefighters operating inside of the structure heard the faint sound of a PASS device and began a search. Despite difficult fire and debris conditions, firefighters found Lieutenant Montoya unconscious under a mattress. Firefighters reported to the Incident Commander (IC) that a firefighter was down; Command activated the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT). Fire conditions were worsening, and firefighters crawled on their stomachs to push and drag Lieutenant Montoya to the stairs. Additional firefighters and RIT members removed Lieutenant Montoya down the stairs and from the building. The firefighting strategy was changed to defensive after his removal. 73 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 Lieutenant Montoya was found to be in full cardiac arrest. CPR was initiated and paramedic-level EMS care was provided. Sometime prior to his arrival at the hospital, a pulse was restored. Upon his arrival at the hospital, Lieutenant Montoya’s carboxyhemoglobin level was 23 percent. Lieutenant Montoya remained in intensive care for 7 days. With no prognosis for improvement, life support was removed and he died on May 21, 2006. The cause of death was oxygen deprivation to the brain as a result of smoke inhalation. Lieutenant Montoya was 15 shifts away from his planned retirement. • May 21, 2006 – 1429hrs Gerald A. Machajewski, Firefighter Age 62, Volunteer Cambria Volunteer Fire Company, New York Firefighter Machajewski and members of his fire department responded to a vehicle crash. Once on the scene, Firefighter Machajewski assisted with patient treatment by transporting equipment from ambulances to the treatment area. He made multiple trips and carried backboards, a gurney, and other equipment. While he worked, Firefighter Machajewski was wearing full structural firefighting protective clothing. Two children were involved in the crash incident. Firefighter Machajewski was directed to supervise the children in the back of an ambulance as treatment of others injured in the crash continued. After the children entered the ambulance, Firefighter Machajewski entered and closed the door. Immediately thereafter, Firefighter Machajewski collapsed and became unconscious. One of the children opened a door and called for help. Firefighters and other emergency workers began CPR and Firefighter Machajewski was transported to the hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital due to a heart attack. • June 13, 2006 – 2121hrs Michael James Day, Deputy Assistant Chief Age 49, Career Providence Fire Department, Rhode Island Deputy Assistant Chief Day began his regularly assigned shift at 1645hrs. He responded to a working fire in a residence and was on scene for approximately 35 minutes. At the conclusion of the incident, Deputy Assistant Chief Day returned to his quarters and performed administrative duties. He complained to other firefighters of feeling hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. The air conditioning in the fire station had failed, and firefighters set up a fan to provide some relief in Deputy Assistant Chief Day’s office. He declined to eat dinner with the crews assigned to the station, saying that he did not feel well. A battalion chief arrived to attend a pre-arranged meeting with Deputy Assistant Chief Day. When the battalion chief entered the office, he found Chief Day unconscious on the floor. CPR was initiated by firefighters and an AED was applied. An arriving rescue company provided paramedic-level EMS care. Deputy Assistant Chief Day was transported to the hospital. continued on next page 74 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 Despite the efforts of firefighters and emergency room staff, Deputy Assistant Chief Day was not revived and he was pronounced dead at 2135hrs. The cause of death was listed as atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. • June 16, 2006 – 1945hrs Michael J. Greene, Firefighter Age 43, Volunteer West Babylon Fire Department, New York Firefighters responded to a structure fire in a restaurant on June 13, 2006. During the course of the fire fight, a ventilation hole was cut into an awning. At the conclusion of the incident, a tarpaulin was placed over the hole by firefighters. On Friday, June 16, 2006, Firefighter Greene and other firefighters went to the restaurant to retrieve the tarp. Firefighter Greene climbed a ground ladder to access the tarp; he was at the tip of the ladder when he made contact with an electrified sign on the awning and was electrocuted. Firefighter Green was rendered unconscious immediately and was hanging upside down from the ladder. Firefighter Greene was brought down from the ladder, treated, and transported to a hospital. He did not survive. The sign was found to be improperly grounded. • June 23, 2006 – 2355hrs Robert Wallace “Bobby” Edwards, Firefighter Age 45, Volunteer Tunica Volunteer Fire Department, Mississippi Firefighter Edwards and the members of his department responded to the report of a fire in a manufactured home. When firefighters arrived on the scene at 0508hrs, they found the home completely involved in fire. Since there was no action that could be taken, the IC released all but the first-arriving fire company. Firefighter Edwards returned to quarters without having arrived on the scene of the incident. At approximately 2355hrs that evening, Firefighter Edwards suffered a fatal heart attack at his residence. The cause of death was listed as hypertensive heart disease and coronary artery disease. • June 25, 2006 – 1432hrs Steven A. Smith, Deputy Chief Age 34, Volunteer Wea Township Volunteer Fire Department, Indiana Deputy Chief Smith and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a report of a structure fire. Lightning had struck a house and ignited a fire in the basement. continued on next page 75 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 Deputy Chief Smith was the first firefighter on the scene of the incident and found a working fire. Wearing full structural firefighting protective clothing and an SCBA, Deputy Chief Smith and another firefighter entered the structure and found the floor to be spongy. Deputy Chief Smith ordered the other firefighter to apply water to the basement through a side window. Deputy Chief Smith advanced an attack line through the front door of the residence. Immediately upon re-entering the structure, Deputy Chief Smith fell into the basement through the fire- weakened floor. Other firefighters arriving on the scene found the attack line leading into the basement. Deputy Chief Smith called to firefighters from the basement and told them that he was trapped and in need of rescue. Firefighters attempted to enter the basement through the hole using a ground ladder, but were unable to make access. The homeowner directed firefighters to the basement stairway, and two firefighters entered the basement to search for Deputy Chief Smith. Firefighters followed the sound of Deputy Chief Smith’s PASS device and located him; he was unconscious and his facepiece was not in place. Firefighters began to drag Deputy Chief Smith toward the stairs. Deputy Chief Smith became entangled in debris, and firefighters attempted to remove his SCBA and provide air from their SCBAs. Deputy Chief Smith was removed from the building and transported to the hospital by ambulance. He was pronounced dead after his arrival. The cause of death was listed as smoke inhalation. At autopsy, Deputy Chief Smith’s carboxyhemoglobin level was 57 percent. The flooring system that collapsed was an engineered product consisting of solid wood top and bottom plates and a chipboard web. This type of truss has been involved in several firefighter fatalities and is the subject of a Special Topic section in this report. The Wea Township Fire Department was cited by the Indiana Department of Labor for five serious violations of standards including facepiece fit testing, lack of medical evaluations for firefighters, and two-in/two-out protocols. • July 4, 2006 – 0832hrs Eric James Olson, Firefighter Age 35, Volunteer Laury’s Station Volunteer Fire Company Number One, Pennsylvania Firefighter Olson and the members of his fire company responded to a mutual-aid river rescue on July 4, 2006. Firefighter Olson arrived at the scene at 1431hrs as the driver of an attack/brush unit. While on the scene of the incident, Firefighter Olson handed out river rescue gear and remained with the unit in staging. Firefighters from Firefighter Olson’s fire company stood by on the river banks with rope throw bags as a part of a rescue effort upstream from their position. The incident was concluded by 1600hrs. Firefighter Olson collapsed at home as the result of a heart attack at 0832hrs on July 5, 2006. He was transported to the hospital but did not survive. • 76 continued on next page U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 July 12, 2006 – 0735hrs Otis Wayne Chupp, Fire Chief Age 61, Career Cartersville Fire Department, Georgia At approximately 0650hrs, Chief Chupp met another fire department member at a local park for an annual physical fitness certification. The certification involved walking or running 1-1/2 miles on a quarter-mile track. Chief Chupp completed his certification in 23 minutes and 43 seconds. Chief Chupp cooled off on the track and left for home. At 1136hrs an emergency call was received from Chief Chupp’s residence. Chief Chupp’s wife had discovered him unconscious in the carport between two vehicles. Chief Chupp was dressed in the same clothes that he wore for his certification test and was obviously deceased. Apparently, he collapsed upon his return home and never made it into the house. The cause of death was listed as a heart attack. • July 26, 2006 – 1915hrs Alethea Faye Nixon, Junior Firefighter Age 17, Volunteer Asbury Volunteer Fire Department, Alabama Firefighter Nixon was a passenger in a 2,000-gallon fire department water tender responding to a report of a structure fire in a house. Including the driver, there were four occupants in the cab of the apparatus. The cab of the apparatus was designed for two occupants. As the water tender approached a single-lane bridge, the driver applied the brakes but was unable to slow the apparatus. The apparatus crashed through the bridge railing and plunged into a creek bed 30 feet below. The apparatus came to rest on its roof. The driver was able to self-extricate and was climbing the bank of the creek to seek assistance when other firefighters arrived. Arriving firefighters and rescue personnel extricated the three injured firefighters. Two were transported to hospitals in critical condition, and Junior Firefighter Nixon was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was multiple impact trauma. For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program report F2006-25 (www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200625.html). • July 27, 2006 – 1135hrs Christopher Ryan Brown, Firefighter Age 20, Volunteer LaHarpe Volunteer Fire Department, Kansas Firefighter Brown was on a work detail driving from his town to Manhattan, Kansas, to pick up fire equipment that was being given to his department by the Kansas State Forestry Department. Firefighter Brown was driving his personal vehicle, a 2001 Dodge pickup. A police report on the incident noted that it was raining. 77 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 For reasons unknown, Firefighter Brown’s vehicle crossed the centerline of the highway and collided head-on with a tractor-trailer truck headed in the opposite direction. Both vehicles were traveling at highway speeds. Firefighter Brown sustained major injuries and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighter Brown was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. • July 28, 2006 – 0844hrs Rose Ann Woodbridge, Firefighter Age 56, Volunteer Hanover Township Fire Department, Ohio Firefighter Woodbridge was responding in her personal vehicle to a motor vehicle crash. She was responding with lights and siren in operation. The roads were wet from recent rainfall. Firefighter Woodbridge entered a curve in the roadway, went left of center, and overcorrected. The car began to slide sideways, left the roadway, and then crashed into a utility pole. The passenger door of the car hit the pole, and the vehicle sustained heavy damage. Firefighter Woodbridge was extricated from the vehicle and transported by ambulance to a landing site where responders met a medical helicopter. A physician arriving with the medical helicopter pronounced her dead after assessing her injuries. She had sustained numerous injuries in the crash, including a serious head injury. Firefighter Woodbridge was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash. • July 29, 2006 – 2227hrs Jeffrey Dean Irwin, Firefighter Age 43, Paid-on-Call Eldorado Fire Department, Illinois Firefighter Irwin and the members of his department responded to a structure fire incident at 1917hrs on July 29th. The heat index was above 100 °C (38 °F) . Firefighter Irwin assisted with extending attack lines and setting up equipment at the scene of the incident . Three firefighters, including Firefighter Irwin, became ill at the scene of the incident due to overexertion and overheating. At the conclusion of the incident, Firefighter Irwin returned to his home at 2100hrs. Firefighters called and stopped by to check on his status several times. Firefighter Irwin was found deceased at 2227hrs by a firefighter’s wife who stopped to check on him. The firefighter’s wife called 9-1-1 and initiated CPR. When the ambulance arrived, Firefighter Irwin was pronounced dead. The autopsy concluded that the cause of death was atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. • 78 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 July 30, 2006 – 1010hrs Paul R. Brady, Firefighter Age 42, Volunteer Malverne Fire Department, New York Firefighter Brady and other firefighters were performing routine maintenance at the Malverne fire station. Firefighter Brady was on top of the department’s heavy rescue truck checking on supplies that are stored in that area of the truck. Not knowing that Firefighter Brady was on top of the apparatus, a firefighter began to move the rescue truck outside to allow the floor below to be cleaned. As the vehicle began to move, an officer realized that Firefighter Brady was on top of the vehicle and called to the driver. The apparatus was placed in reverse and Firefighter Brady fell from the roof of the rescue to the floor. Firefighter Brady was severely injured after being crushed between the door frame and the apparatus. Firefighter Brady was transported to the hospital, but was pronounced dead at approximately 1411hrs. The death was caused by traumatic injuries. • August 2, 2006 – 0200hrs Larry Wayne Fanning, Firefighter Age 57, Volunteer Garner Fire Department, North Carolina Firefighter Fanning was at the fire station conducting fire department business when the department received a call for a medical emergency. Firefighter Fanning did not respond on the incident but stood by at the station. At the conclusion of the incident, Firefighter Fanning returned to his home where he died of a heart attack a few hours later. • August 2, 2006 – 0620hrs Lee William Walters, Assistant Chief Age 54, Part-Time (Paid) Sheldon Fire District, South Carolina Assistant Chief Walters and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a report of a fire in a residence. Upon their arrival, firefighters found a well-involved single-story wood-frame structure. Firefighters established a water supply and fought the fire with multiple handlines. About 20 minutes into the operation, Assistant Chief Walters suddenly collapsed. Emergency medical care was provided immediately, and Assistant Chief Walters was transported to a hospital. He was not revived and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The cause of death was listed as a heart attack. • 79 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 August 4, 2006 – 1947hrs Terry Wayne Jacobs, Pilot Age 58, Wildland Contract Heavy Lift Helicopters under contract to the USDA Forest Service, California Andrei Pantchenko, III, Co-Pilot Age 38, Wildland Contract Heavy Lift Helicopters under contract to the USDA Forest Service, California Pilot Jacobs and Co-Pilot Pantchenko were operating a Sikorsky CH-54A helicopter in support of fire- fighting operations at the Titus fire near Happy Camp, California. The helicopter had been returned to service earlier in the day after having an engine replaced. After completing a series of tests, the helicopter was assigned to the Titus fire and conducted a number of water drops. After over 2 hours of work, the helicopter returned to its helibase for fueling. The unit departed base at 1912hrs for another round of water drops. As the helicopter maneuvered near a water dip site, it experienced an in-flight separation of a tail rotor blade. A witness heard a bang, saw pieces fall from the rear of the helicopter, and observed a crash. Both crew members were killed. The cause of death for Pilot Jacobs was listed as multiple trauma and the cause of death for Co-Pilot Pantchenko was listed as drowning. For additional information about this crash, consult the National Transportation Safety Board Web site at www.ntsb. gov/ntsb/query.asp and use NTSB identification LAX06GA254. • August 8, 2006 – 1000hrs Richard Washington, Jr., Firefighter II Age 49, Career Clark County Fire Department, Nevada Firefighter Washington was performing onduty physical fitness activities. He had been on a treadmill for approximately 20 minutes when he collapsed. Another firefighter in the area heard a change in the sound of the treadmill and came to check on Firefighter Washington. The firefighter found him on top of the treadmill and unresponsive. The firefighter called for assistance. ALS-level emergency medical care was provided at the fire station and while enroute to the hospital, but Firefighter Washington was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1030hrs. After an autopsy was completed, the cause of death was listed as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. • 80 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 August 8, 2006 – 2015hrs Ollie Phil Tate, Firefighter Age 56, Volunteer Thaxton Volunteer Fire Department, Mississippi Firefighter Tate was a passenger in the bed of a pickup truck that was responding to a confirmed structure fire. He suffered a heart attack and fell from the bed of the pickup. • August 10, 2006 – 2259hrs Dana Lynn MacCrimmon, Firefighter Age 45, Career Carbondale Fire Department, Illinois Firefighter MacCrimmon returned from an emergency response to a residential board and care facility. The fire alarm was triggered by smoke produced by cooking. Firefighters reset the alarm and returned to quarters. Upon her arrival at the fire station, Firefighter MacCrimmon complained of head pain and asked to be taken to the hospital. Firefighters transported her in a fire department car; by the time they arrived at the hospital, Firefighter MacCrimmon was unresponsive. She was treated at the hospital but her condition worsened and she was pronounced dead at 1420hrs on August 11, 2006. The cause of death was reported to be a CVA (stroke). • August 12, 2006 – 0642hrs Dennis K. “Denny” Hayes, Firefighter Age 59, Volunteer McClure Fire Company, Pennsylvania Firefighter Hayes was operating the pump panel on an engine at the scene of a mutual-aid structure fire. He suddenly collapsed. He was treated by paramedics on the scene and transported to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital as the result of a heart attack. • August 13, 2006 – 1223hrs Arnold W. “Arnie” Wolff, Lieutenant Age 55, Career Green Bay Fire Department, Wisconsin Lieutenant Wolff was assigned to an ambulance on August 13, 2006. The ambulance was dispatched, along with other fire department units, to a structure fire in a residence. Firefighters arriving on the scene found a working fire with smoke showing. Lieutenant Wolff and an engineer were ordered to enter the front door of the house and perform a left-hand search. Another two-firefighter crew entered and went to the right. Within minutes of their entry, a partial continued on next page 81 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 floor collapse occurred, and Lieutenant Wolff and the engineer fell approximately 10 feet into the fully-involved basement. Maydays were transmitted by Lieutenant Wolff and the engineer. A second alarm was immediately requested by the IC and firefighters began rescue efforts. The engineer fell into a finished portion of the basement that had windows. She was assisted through a window by other firefighters. Lieutenant Wolff fell into a room that did not have windows, and his path to an exit was blocked by debris. Fire conditions advanced markedly after the collapse, and firefighters were unable to reach Lieutenant Wolff. His body was recovered approximately 13 hours into the incident. The cause of death was listed as asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation. At autopsy, the carboxyhemoglobin level in Lieutenant Wolff’s blood was 49.6 percent. The fire cause is undetermined but it was concluded that the fire burned for some time in the basement prior to its discovery. The trusses that failed were in the area that was most damaged by fire. The trusses that failed were TGI trusses, an engineered lumber product. Additional information on engineered lumber is contained in the Special Topic section of this report. • August 13, 2006 – 0310hrs Paul Raymond Montavon, Sr., Lieutenant Age 59, Part-Time (Paid) Whitewater Township Fire Department, Ohio Lieutenant Montavon and members of his fire department were on the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. As Lieutenant Montavon assisted at the scene, he collapsed. Lieutenant Montavon was placed into an ambulance and found to be in cardiac and respiratory arrest. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. His death is likely due to a heart attack. • August 13, 2006 – 1756hrs Quinn Russell Stone, Pilot Age 42, Wildland Contract Evergreen Helicopters under contract to the USDA Forest Service, Yellow Pine, Idaho Michael Gene Lewis, Firefighter/Assistant Helitack Manager Age 37, Wildland Full-Time USDA Forest Service - Payette National Forest, Idaho Lillian M. Patten, Firefighter/Lookout Age 32, Wildland Full-Time USDA Forest Service - Payette National Forest, Idaho Monica Lee Zajanc, Firefighter Age 27, Wildland Part-Time USDA Forest Service - Payette National Forest, Idaho continued on next page 82 continued on next page U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 These firefighters were aboard a Eurocopter AS-350-B3 helicopter. The helicopter was in the middle of a mission to replace the crew staffing a fire watch station on the top of Williams Peak. The drop was completed and the offgoing crew was aboard the helicopter returning to the base. For reasons unknown, the helicopter crashed on a mountainside at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet. All aboard were killed. For additional information about this crash, consult the National Transportation Safety Board Web site at www.ntsb. gov/ntsb/query.asp and use NTSB identification SEA06GA158. • August 17, 2006 – 1350hrs Spencer Stanley Koyle, Division Supervisor Age 33, Wildland Full-Time Bureau of Land Management, Fillmore Field Office, Utah Division Supervisor Koyle was on the scene of the lightning-caused Devil’s Den wildland fire near Delta, Utah. He was assigned as the Assistant Fire Management Officer for this incident. Division Supervisor Koyle and the IC were airlifted into the area of the fire at approximately 1230hrs. After his arrival, Division Supervisor Koyle walked down into the canyon to scout the fire. After working his way down into the canyon, Division Supervisor Koyle ordered water drops on hot spots. Fire conditions worsened dramatically, and the IC ordered Division Supervisor Koyle to get out of the canyon. Division Supervisor Koyle began to run from the advancing fire, stopped to deploy his fire shelter, and was overrun by the fire. The fire shelter was not able to protect him sufficiently, and he was fatally burned. An accident investigation report on the incident cited four causal factors in the fatality: 1) Division Supervisor Koyle ignored the IC’s advice to stay out of the canyon; 2) Division Supervisor Koyle lost awareness of the fire’s blowup potential; 3) Division Supervisor Koyle lost his situational awareness as he focused on directing water drops; and 4) Division Supervisor Koyle violated a number of standard fire- fighting orders. • August 27, 2006 – 1330hrs Howard John Carpluk, Jr., Lieutenant Age 43, Career Fire Department City of New York, New York Michael C. Reilly, Firefighter Age 25, Career Fire Department City of New York, New York Lieutenant Carpluk (assigned to Engine 42 and working overtime at Engine 75) and Firefighter Reilly were working at Engine Company 75 on August 27, 2006. The company was dispatched as an additional unit to a working fire in a convenience store. Lieutenant Carpluk, Firefighter Reilly, and other firefighters advanced a second 2-1/2-inch attack line into the structure to support extinguishment operations. 83 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 A collapse occurred involving an area of the first floor of the structure. Lieutenant Carpluk and Firefighter Reilly fell into the basement. Lieutenant Carpluk was entrapped by the collapse debris, and Firefighter Reilly was encapsulated in the collapse debris. Other firefighters were caught in the collapse area as well. Firefighters were able to remove the members trapped in the upper part of the collapse area. It took an hour to remove the last of these members. During that time, other members breached holes into the collapse area from an adjoining cellar. These members found Lieutenant Carpluk approximately 15 minutes after entering the collapse area. Lieutenant Carpluk was conscious when reached and he told firefighters that his nozzleman, Firefighter Reilly, was trapped under him. The extrication of Lieutenant Carpluk took more than 45 minutes. He was in respiratory arrest when he was removed from the structure. One to 2 minutes after Lieutenant Carpluk was removed, rescuers found Firefighter Reilly in the collapse debris. It took approximately 20 minutes to extricate Firefighter Reilly. Firefighter Reilly died from asphyxia due to compression of the chest. Lieutenant Carpluk died of positional asphyxia and aspiration of blood. The structure that was involved in fire had experienced a major-alarm fire in 2000. • August 28, 2006 – 0946hrs Wilbur A. Ritter, Fire Police Officer Age 78, Volunteer Sayville Fire Department, New York Fire Police Officer Ritter and the members of his fire department were dispatched to an alarm at a local drug store for a hazardous condition with the potential for a roof collapse. Fire Police Officer Ritter arrived at the fire station and prepared to respond to the scene in the department’s fire police vehicle. He was observed to be looking ill and complained of chest pains and difficulty breathing. Firefighters summoned EMS responders and provided Fire Police Officer Ritter with oxygen. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died. The cause of death was listed as atherosclerotic heart disease. • September 4, 2006 – 1353hrs Errett Wayne Miller, Assistant Fire Chief Age 43, Volunteer Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department, Indiana Assistant Chief Miller was the driver and sole occupant of a 1,500-gallon water tender responding to an arson- caused mutual-aid structure fire. The water tender entered a 20-degree left-hand curve at a speed estimated at 63 mph. The posted speed limit for the roadway was 55 mph. As the apparatus negotiated the curve, the right wheels of the water continued on next page 84 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 tender left the paved surface of the road and the vehicle traveled approximately 141 feet on the grassy shoulder. Assistant Chief Miller overcorrected and brought the water tender back onto the roadway. The water tender began rotating counter-clockwise, Assistant Chief Miller again overcorrected, the water in the apparatus tank shifted, and the apparatus began to rotate clockwise. The apparatus eventually left the roadway and rolled four times, coming to rest on the driver’s side. Between the second and third rolls of the apparatus, Assistant Chief Miller was ejected. Assistant Chief Miller received mortal injuries. Responders provided emergency medical care and he was transported to a hospital. Assistant Chief Miller was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. A law enforcement report on the incident cited speed as a factor in the crash. The report observed that Assistant Chief Miller did everything that he could to recover control of the vehicle, but was not able to overcome the speed of the vehicle and the instability of the water. The cause of death was listed as head and chest trauma. • September 4, 2006 – 1400hrs David F. Prior, Lieutenant Age 50, Volunteer Elbridge Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., New York Lieutenant Prior and the members of his fire department participated in the Labor Day parade and push ball competition in Skaneateles, New York. Lieutenant Prior marched in the parade which lasted approximately 30 to 45 minutes. At the completion of the parade, Lieutenant Prior complained of the heat, said that he was having difficulty breathing, and said that he was experiencing indigestion. As firefighters prepared for the pushball competition, Lieutenant Prior suddenly collapsed. Firefighters and other emergency responders immediately provided assistance. CPR was initiated, and Lieutenant Prior was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Approximately an hour after his collapse, Lieutenant Prior was pronounced dead at the hospital. The cause of death was listed as atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. • September 6, 2006 – 1025hrs Robert Paul Stone, Battalion Chief Age 36, Career California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection George Elvin “Sandy” Willett, Jr., Pilot Age 52, Wildland Contract DynCorp under contract to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Pilot Willett and Battalion Chief Stone were assigned aerial observation duties for the “Mountain Incident” wildland fire that was in progress within the Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest near Porterville, California. The firefighters were operating a North American OV-10A aircraft. continued on next page 85 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 The crew departed the airport normally and conducted routine communications with the command center. The aircraft was seen flying between 400 and 600 feet above the treetops by an observer. For reasons unknown, the aircraft hit the tree tops in a box-like canyon. The initial impact was to the top of trees estimated to be 125 feet tall. The plane broke up, fell to the forest floor, and caught fire. Both occupants were killed. For additional information about this crash, consult the National Transportation Safety Board Web site at www.ntsb. gov/ntsb/query.asp and use NTSB identification LAX06GA287. • September 9, 2006 – 0517hrs Vincent R. Neglia, Acting Captain Age 45, Career North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue Department, New Jersey Firefighter Neglia and other firefighters were dispatched to a report of fire in a three-story apartment building in Union City. Upon their arrival at the scene, firefighters found light smoke and no visible fire. Based on reports that the structure had not been evacuated, Firefighter Neglia and other firefighters entered the building to perform a search. Due to the light smoke conditions, Firefighter Neglia was not wearing his facepiece. Firefighter Neglia was the first firefighter to enter an apartment. Conditions deteriorated rapidly as fire broke through a ceiling and caused a collapse. Firefighter Neglia was trapped by the collapse and rapid fire progress. Other firefighters came to his aid and removed him from the building. Firefighter Neglia was transported to the hospital but later died of a combination of smoke inhalation and burns. • September 16, 2006 – 1316hrs John Paul “JP” Memory II, Firefighter Age 19, Volunteer Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department, Virginia Firefighter Memory and other firefighters participated in a Patriot Day parade in the community of Franklin, Virginia. Firefighter Memory and his rescue company were asked by Franklin firefighters to participate in an extrication demonstration at the conclusion of the parade. Firefighter Memory was operating a hydraulic rescue tool as a part of the demonstration. He told other firefighters that he was not feeling well, passed the tool to another firefighter, and went to sit down on the back of the apparatus. Moments later, firefighters found Firefighter Memory collapsed on the ground. CPR and paramedic-level emergency medical care were initiated immediately. Firefighter Memory was transported to the hospital by ambulance. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. Firefighter Memory’s death was caused by dilated cardiomyopathy. • 86 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 September 18, 2006 – 1526hrs Johnny Nelson Buchanan, Lieutenant Age 47, Volunteer Feds Creek/Mouth Card Area Volunteer Fire Department, Kentucky Lieutenant Buchanan and the members of his fire department responded to an emergency medical incident on September 17, 2006. The incident occurred at 1827hrs and was concluded shortly thereafter. On September 18, 2006, at 1526hrs, Lieutenant Buchanan suffered a heart attack while driving. His vehicle crossed the center line of the roadway and slowly crashed into a school bus approaching from the opposite direction. Lieutenant Buchanan was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital. Despite these efforts, he expired. • September 21, 2006 – 1930hrs John A. Beyer, Firefighter Age 38, Volunteer Wilson Volunteer Fire Company, New York Firefighter Beyer participated in a 2-hour auto extrication training exercise during the evening of September 21, 2006. He went home after training and collapsed of a heart attack approximately 2 hours after the completion of training. He was transported to a local hospital and successfully resuscitated. He was transferred to a regional hospital where his condition deteriorated. Firefighter Beyer died on September 22, 2006. • September 22, 2006 – 1030hrs Ronald Phillip Allen, Jr., Lieutenant Age 36, Volunteer Tar Heel Fire Department, North Carolina Lieutenant Allen was marking the location of fire hydrants by spray painting arrows on the roadway pavement. Lieutenant Allen used a brush truck to block the lane in which he was working. The hazard lights of the vehicle were flashing. The brush truck was struck from behind by another vehicle. The truck was propelled forward and struck Lieutenant Allen. He was trapped under the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. • September 27, 2006 – 1352hrs Edward John Jenik, Executive Captain Age 53, Career Highland Heights Fire Department, Ohio Executive Captain Jenik went to his home for lunch on September 27, 2006. He was leaving his house to return to work when he suffered a heart attack. A neighbor found him unconscious behind the wheel of his fire department vehicle in the roadway and called 9-1-1. Executive Captain Jenik was transported to the hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead approximately 30 minutes after his arrival. 87 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 • October 10, 2006 – 0230hrs Allan M. Roberts, Firefighter Age 40, Career Baltimore City Fire Department, Maryland Firefighter Roberts was assigned to Engine 41 for the night shift of October 9, 2006. Engine 41 and other fire companies were dispatched to a report of a residential structure fire at 0222hrs on October 10, 2006. Engine 41 was the first to arrive on the scene and found a working fire. Two occupants of the home had jumped from an upper-story window, and there were reports of other trapped occupants. Firefighter Roberts and two other firefighters entered the structure to perform a search and fight the fire. At approximately 0300hrs, Firefighter Roberts and other firefighters were advancing a charged handline up the interior stairs to the second floor when an extremely rapid buildup of heat occurred. Firefighters were forced to abandon the fire fight, the front door of the residence somehow became closed, and firefighters were trapped in the building. Other firefighters were able to rescue Firefighter Allen, and he was removed from the structure. Somehow during the attempt to escape the structure, Firefighter Allen’s helmet and facepiece were removed. Firefighter Allen was transported to the hospital but was not revived. The cause of death was listed as smoke inhalation. Firefighter Allen’s carboxyhemoglobin level at autopsy was 26 percent. The fire was caused by an electrical short in a hot water heater. • October 16, 2006 – 1330hrs John A. Stura, Firefighter Age 78, Volunteer North Belle Vernon Fire Department, Pennsylvania Firefighter Stura was on his way to the bank to deposit the proceeds of a fire department bingo fundraiser. Firefighter Stura was walking near the bank parking lot when he was struck by a vehicle. After striking Firefighter Stura, the driver of the vehicle accidentally depressed the accelerator rather than the brake. The vehicle continued through the parking lot until it came into contact with a raised landscaped area. Firefighter Stura was trapped under the vehicle. He was removed by firefighters and transported to the hospital, but he did not survive. The cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma of the chest. • October 19, 2006 – 1200hrs Raleigh Eugene England II, Chaplain/Deputy Chief Age 59, Volunteer Beaver Volunteer Fire Department, West Virginia Deputy Chief England participated in a weekly work detail at his fire station. While working, he complained of not feeling well. Shortly thereafter, he departed for lunch. During the lunch break, Deputy Chief England suffered a CVA (stroke). He died on October 28, 2006. 88 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 • October 26, 2006 – 0730hrs Mark Allen Loutzenhiser, Captain Age 43, Wildland Full-Time USDA Forest Service - San Bernardino National Forest, California Jess Edward McLean, Engineer Age 27, Wildland Full-Time USDA Forest Service - San Bernardino National Forest, California Pablo Cerda, Firefighter Age 24, Wildland Part-Time USDA Forest Service - San Bernardino National Forest, California Daniel Kurtis Hoover-Najera, Firefighter Age 20, Wildland Part-Time USDA Forest Service - San Bernardino National Forest, California Jason Robert McKay, Firefighter Age 27, Wildland Full-Time USDA Forest Service - San Bernardino National Forest, California Captain Loutzenhiser, Engineer McLean, Firefighter Cerda, Firefighter Hoover-Najera, and Firefighter McKay were assigned as the crew of Engine 57. At approximately 0111hrs on October 26, 2006, a fire was intentionally set at the bottom of a slope near the town of Cabazon, California. The fire quickly spread uphill toward a highway and the rural community of Twin Pines. The fire spread into an area where firefighting responsibilities are provided by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDAFS). At 0130hrs, the local IC requested five USDAFS engine companies. By 0307hrs, the fire had grown to over 500 acres. By 0402hrs, the five engine companies, including Engine 57, had arrived at the Command Post. The companies were assigned to structure protection and evacuation duties. Engine 57 was assigned to protect a residential structure and discussed plans with a command officer at approximately 0620hrs. The crew deployed hoselines from their apparatus and from a portable pump drawing water from a pool. Shortly after 0700hrs, the fire progressed rapidly and overcame the position held by Engine 57. Winds during this period exceeded 50 mph, and the flame front was reported to be 90 feet tall. Other fire crews responded to the scene and provided treatment to the crew of Engine 57. Engineer McLean, Firefighter McKay, and Firefighter Hoover-Najera were pronounced dead at the scene; Captain Loutzenhiser was transported to the hospital but died. Firefighter Cerda was transported to the hospital and died as a result of his injures on October 31, 2006. All five firefighters died as the result of burns. • 89 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 November 1, 2006 – 0415hrs Gregory Allen “Greg” Cloud, Firefighter Age 32, Volunteer Kent Volunteer Fire Company, Indiana Firefighter Cloud and the members of his fire department were dispatched to provide mutual-aid at a structure fire in a nearby town. Firefighter Cloud was one of the first members of his department to arrive at the scene of the working fire in a very large residence. The IC ordered Firefighter Cloud and another Kent firefighter to don SCBAs and prepare to mount an interior attack on the fire. Fire had started in a gazebo behind the house and spread to the rear of the house. Firefighter Cloud and another firefighter entered the structure and proceeded to the second floor. The firefighters encountered extreme levels of heat and smoke on the second floor and decided to return to the ground level. As the firefighters left the building, fire progressed rapidly. Once outside, firefighters discovered that Firefighter Cloud had not escaped. Firefighters fought their way back into the structure and located Firefighter Cloud on the second floor. He was located by the sound of his PASS device. Firefighter Cloud was obviously deceased; he had sustained major burns, and his SCBA facepiece had melted. At autopsy, Firefighter Cloud’s carboxyhemoglobin level was 38 percent. • November 3, 2006 – 1845hrs Joseph S. Pagano, Captain Age 52, Career Middletown Fire Department, Connecticut Captain Pagano suffered a heart attack while on duty and working at his desk in the fire station. Other on-duty firefighters provided medical assistance, but their efforts were not successful in reviving Captain Pagano. • November 12, 2006 – 1138hrs Kyle William Clarence Weisbrich, Firefighter Age 22, Volunteer Melrose Fire Department, Minnesota Firefighter Weisbrich was responding to the fire station on his motorcycle after his department was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash. During the response, Firefighter Weisbrich failed to stop for a stop sign, entered the intersection, and struck a vehicle that was in the intersection. Firefighters arriving on the scene provided medical care to Firefighter Weisbrich. He was transported via ambulance to the hospital, but was not revived. The cause of death was listed as traumatic head injuries. The speed of Firefighter Weisbrich’s motorcycle was cited in the law enforcement crash report. • 90 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 November 14, 2006 – 0106hrs Robert Gerald Whittaker, Firefighter Age 55, Volunteer Marshallberg Voluntary Fire Department, North Carolina Firefighter Whittaker was the driver of a heavy rescue apparatus responding to the scene of an arson-caused mutual-aid structure fire. Firefighter Whittaker suffered a heart attack, the apparatus left the roadway, crossed a ditch, and struck a tree. Other firefighters riding in the apparatus, who were all wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash, were uninjured and provided emergency medical assistance. Firefighter Whittaker was transported to the hospital but was not revived. • November 16, 2006 – 0654hrs Michael Timothy Browne, Firefighter/EMT-B Age 25, Volunteer Acme-Delco-Riegelwood Fire and Rescue, North Carolina Firefighter Browne was leaving his home in response to a fire department page for severe weather. As he left home, the area was struck with a tornado that overtook him. Firefighter Browne was severely injured and died at the scene. His father and his stepmother also were killed. Firefighter Browne’s 3-year-old daughter survived. A total of eight people died as a result of the tornado, 35 homes were damaged or destroyed, and approximately 100 people were left homeless in the category F3 storm. • November 23, 2006 – 2000hrs Steven M. Solomon, Firefighter Age 33, Career Atlanta Fire-Rescue Department, Georgia Firefighter Solomon was working a 24-hour shift on Thanksgiving Day. Shortly after 2000hrs, Atlanta Fire-Rescue dispatched a full first-alarm assignment for a reported fire in an abandoned house. On arrival, companies encountered heavy smoke showing from a boarded-up single-story brick structure. As other crews removed plywood window coverings and forced entry through the front door, the crew of Engine 16 prepared to advance a 1-3/4-inch attack line into the house. Firefighter Solomon was on the nozzle as the line was advanced inside. The attack team immediately encountered high temperature and zero-visibility conditions. Within seconds after they entered, the battalion chief arrived, assumed command, and ordered the companies to operate in a defensive strategy. Before the line could be backed out, the interior became enveloped in flames and the three firefighters from Engine 16 lost track of each other. Two of the firefighters managed to escape through the front door. Firefighters outside saw the silhouette of a firefighter, enveloped in flames, running past the front door and moving toward the rear of the house. The fire was quickly knocked down and crews made entry from both continued on next page 91 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 the front and rear to conduct a search. Firefighter Solomon was located almost immediately by a member who was using a thermal imaging camera, and several firefighters quickly removed him from the dwelling. He was unconscious and critically burned. When he was found, Firefighter Solomon had removed his helmet, hood, and SCBA facepiece. One boot also was missing. Although he received immediate treatment from firefighter/paramedics on the scene and was transported within minutes to a level-one trauma center and regional burn unit, Firefighter Solomon died 6 days later without regaining consciousness. • November 26, 2006 – 1348hrs Hector “Sandy” McClune, Firefighter Age 76, Volunteer Millerton Fire Department, New York Firefighter McClune and approximately 25 firefighters were battling a wildland fire at a local school. Firefighter McClune suddenly collapsed due to a heart attack. Firefighters provided medical treatment and he was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Despite the efforts of firefighters and other responders, Firefighter McClune died at the hospital. • November 28, 2006 – 0810hrs Thomas J. Van Liew, Acting Lieutenant Age 52, Career New Brunswick Fire Department, New Jersey Acting Lieutenant Van Liew had been on duty for a short time and working the floor watch. He was found unresponsive by other firefighters. Paramedics were summoned, and firefighters provided treatment to Acting Lieutenant Van Liew. He was transported to the hospital but died as the result of a heart attack. • November 30, 2006 – 0200hrs Jeffrey Scott Hollingsworth, Deputy Chief Age 38, Volunteer Clement Volunteer Fire Department, North Carolina Deputy Chief Hollingsworth and other members of his fire department responded to a structure fire and a small wildland fire. The incident was concluded at approximately 0207hrs. At approximately 0700hrs, Deputy Chief Hollingsworth complained of chest pain and was evaluated by a physician. He was sent home, but returned to the hospital later that day still feeling ill. He was admitted but died later that day as the result of a heart attack. • 92 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 December 1, 2006 – 0257hrs Leo Howard Soderquist, Firefighter Age 64, Volunteer Axtell Fire and Rescue, Nebraska Firefighter Soderquist and the members of his fire department responded to the scene of a structure fire in a residence. While on the scene, Firefighter Soderquist pulled and set up handlines, set up a blower fan, did salvage, and overhaul, and helped with the return of equipment to the apparatus. The fire, started by an electrical problem, was primarily confined to the attic of the home. Firefighters returned to the fire station. Firefighter Soderquist was sitting on the back step of a fire apparatus talking to other firefighters when he suddenly collapsed. He was treated by firefighters in the fire station and transported to the hospital. His death was caused by a heart attack. • December 1, 2006 – 1745hrs Kent Furman Long, Firefighter II Age 44, Career Charlotte Fire Department, North Carolina Firefighter Long was on duty in his regularly assigned fire station. The day had been unremarkable with responses to incidents and a move-up to another fire station that was concluded at approximately 1545hrs. Firefighter Long’s last emergency response was an emergency medical incident at 1642hrs. At approximately 1730hrs, Firefighter Long received permission from his company officer to exercise in a parking lot next door to the fire station. A short time after his departure, a passerby knocked on the door of the fire station and advised that someone was down on the grass in front of the fire station. Firefighters responded outside and found the person down was Firefighter Long. CPR was initiated, and paramedic-level emergency medical care was provided. Firefighter Long was transported to the hospital where efforts to revive him were continued to no avail. The cause of death was listed as a heart attack. • December 7, 2006 – Time Unknown Thomas Joseph Hays, Firefighter Age 25, Volunteer Lower Merion Fire Department / Narberth Fire Company, Pennsylvania Firefighter Hays responded to a commercial structure fire at 2030hrs on December 7, 2006. Firefighter Hays helped open up the walls of the structure to provide access for firefighters. The incident was concluded by approximately 2200hrs and Firefighter Hays returned to his home. Concerned that he did not respond to fire incidents that occurred over the early morning hours of December 8, 2006, firefighters went to Firefighter Hays’ home to check on his welfare. They discovered Firefighter Hays deceased in his bed. The death was attributed to epilepsy. 93 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 • December 9, 2006 – 1620hrs Edward DeWitt Wilburn, President Age 64, Volunteer Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Maryland President Wilburn was responding in his personal vehicle to a report of a working structure fire. During the response, President Wilburn suffered a heart attack. He stopped his vehicle in the roadway. Arriving EMS responders found President Wilburn slumped over the wheel. Responders tapped on the window and the vehicle lurched forward, traveling approximately 100 yards on a grassy shoulder before reaching and cresting a steep embankment. The car came to rest upon reaching the other side of the embankment. Firefighters removed President Wilburn from the vehicle and began CPR. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. • December 28, 2006 – 1300hrs Cecil Tackett, Jr., Firefighter Age 28, Volunteer Flat Gap Fire Department, Kentucky Firefighter Tackett helped set up for a community function at his fire station. During the function, Firefighter Tackett went home. When it was time for the function to be over, Firefighter Tackett drove his personal vehicle back to the station. He had been assigned to clean up after the event and put the fire apparatus back into their bays. As he drove to the station, he was involved in a vehicle crash and was killed. • December 29, 2006 – 0557hrs Stephen Jones, Firefighter Age 56, Volunteer Barnstead Fire & Rescue, Inc., New Hampshire Firefighter Jones had been assigned by his fire chief to bring a piece of fire apparatus to a maintenance facility in another town. As he drove between the town’s fire stations, he began to experience chest pains and called for help. Firefighter Jones was transported to the hospital but died as a result of a heart attack. • 94 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 December 30, 2006 – 0913hrs Philip Wayne Townsend, Firefighter Age 31, Career Denison Fire Department, Texas Firefighter Townsend and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a commercial structure fire. Upon their arrival, firefighters found a working attic fire in a single-story strip center. Firefighters attempted an interior attack on the fire but were driven from the building by heavy smoke and fire conditions. A defensive mode was declared, and firefighters left the interior of the building. Firefighter Townsend and the fire chief were standing approximately 2 feet from the building when a structural collapse occurred. Both firefighters were trapped in the debris. Firefighters and bystanders immediately began to remove debris to access the trapped firefighters. The fire chief was removed from the debris within approximately 9 minutes of the collapse. He was transported to the hospital and treated for a separated shoulder and a head contusion. Firefighter Townsend was extricated after approximately 11 minutes. He was transported to the hospital but he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma. • 95 U. S. Fire AdminiStrAtion • FireFighter FAtAlitieS in the United StAteS in 2006 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII October 21, 1990 – 1406hrs George Malcolm Jackson, Firefighter Age 51, Career Camden Fire Department, New Jersey Firefighter Jackson was assigned to an engine company. On October 21, 1990, his engine was dispatched alone to a report of a stove fire. Upon their arrival on the scene, firefighters found medium smoke showing from the rear of an occupied two-story brick rowhouse. The company officer called for the balance of a box assignment. Firefighter Jackson and his crew advanced a handline into the structure and conducted a search of the first floor. When ladder company firefighters arrived and entered the building, Firefighter Jackson joined a ladder crew and ascended to the second floor of the house. The fire in the first floor kitchen was proving difficult to control, and the pump operator was having difficulty opening a fire hydrant in front of the house. The pump operator radioed that crews should back out due to a water supply interruption. The fire in the kitchen advanced rapidly. Firefighters, including Firefighter Jackson, had completed their search of the second floor, but were unable to exit the structure due to heat and fire conditions on the stairs. The three firefighters retreated to the second floor. The ladder company firefighters were able to escape the building by diving head-first through windows; Firefighter Jackson was overcome before he could escape. Later-arriving fire companies established an alternate water supply and darkened down the fire on the second floor. Firefighters accessed the second floor over ground ladders and found Firefighter Jackson just inside a window. Firefighter Jackson was removed from the building, suffering from critical hand and face burns. Firefighter Jackson was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Firefighter Jackson remained in a coma until his death on March 7, 2006, at age 67. • December 29, 1995 – 0650hrs Donald Joseph Herbert, Firefighter Age 34, Career Buffalo Fire Department, New York Firefighter Herbert was fighting a fire in a three-story residential structure. He was inside the structure when a roof collapse occurred. Firefighter Herbert was pinned by the collapse. He was removed from the structure in cardiac arrest and transported to the hospital. Firefighter Herbert was revived, but lapsed into a coma. He regained consciousness occasionally over a 9-year period. Firefighter Herbert died as a result of his injuries on February 21, 2006, at the age of 44. • |
| 2006 Firefighter Fatalities |
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