Funeral information for Phoenix FD Firefighter Bradley Harper: (link to info)
Funeral Ceremony on Friday, May 24th at 2:30 p.m. at:
Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV)
7007 W. Happy Valley Road
Peoria, AZ 85383
Procession and Internment to follow at:
Greenwood Memorial Cemetery
719 N. 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Virginia Firefighter LODD Memorial is on June 1st this year. If you are planning on attending, have a question, or need more information, check out the Facebook event here.
FirefighterWife.com: Here is an article about the recent LODD’s and a view from a Firefighters Wife. Read it here
Vote for Hack: Brian Hackenburg is in the running for “Kona Inspired 2013″. Vote for him here (bottom left of video)
IronFiremen.com: Captain Wines headed to Harrisburg, PA for the Fire Expo 2013 without me. He did leave me a souvenir though…he burned up my van on the way! Read about his trip here.
Moore, OK Update:
The death toll has been adjusted from 51 to 24 at this time. There are hundreds of injured, and over 100 have been rescued from the devastation.
The tornado was over 2 miles wide and covered around 22 miles becoming an EF4/EF5 tornado with wind speeds between 166-200 miles per hour.
The City of Moore and City of Oklahoma City will hold a joint press conference at Noon, Tuesday May 21st, at Moore City Hall, 301 N Broadway. Information about recovery efforts and other details will be shared at this time.
Dallas Firefighter Stanley Wilson, 51, was found dead after radioing an emergency transmission that he was trapped in an apartment fire. Over 150 Dallas firefighters battled the 6 alarm blaze. Wilson, a 28 year veteran of the department, was stationed at firehouse 53. Wilson was married with two teenage sons.
The body of a Dallas firefighter who radioed for help after becoming trapped in a burning condominium has been recovered.
The firefighter, whose name has not yet been released, was among the 100 Dallas firefighters who responded to a six-alarm fire at the Hearthwood Condominiums at 12363 Abrams Road Monday morning.
When firefighters arrived shortly before 3 a.m., smoke was seen billowing through the roof of the complex. Dallas Fire-Rescue’s Jason Evans said firefighters initially started to attack the fire offensively, but moved to a defensive posture due to how fast the fire was growing.
At about 5 a.m., one of the firefighters radioed that he was trapped inside the building and that he wasn’t sure where he was. Evans said crews had not been able to reach the firefighter by radio since that message.
At about 9:15 a.m., the body of the firefighter was found. He was removed from the rubble, covered in an American flag and carried to an ambulance as dozens of firefighters and onlookers flanked either side, removed their helmets and saluted the procession.
The body of a Wayne Westland firefighter has been recovered from a blaze at a pair of businesses in a Westland strip mall today.
Brian Woehlke, 29, was found today, said Deputy Fire Chief Rob Arbini. Woehlke had been a firefighter for 10 months, Arbini said.
Mayor William Wild said he received notification of Woehlke’s recovery at about 12:40 p.m. No additional information was released.
Statement from Westland Mayor William Wild courtesy WDIV.com:
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our Westland firefighters who died in the line of duty this morning. He dedicated his life to protecting the residents of Wayne and Westland and this is a terrible loss for the firefighter’s family and our entire community. This tragedy is a reminder to us all of the sacrifice that firefighters make along with their family and friends every single day. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends, as well as the first responders of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department, who are mourning the loss of fellow firefighter, Brian Woehlke. Woehlke, 29, a Dearborn resident who was married and the father of one, had been a member of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department for ten (10) months. We are forever appreciative for the brave men and women of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department who put their lives on the line every day.”
Crews have recovered the body of a Wayne-Westland firefighter who triggered his distress signal while battling flames inside a Westland poker hall Wednesday.
FOX 2′s Alex Wiley says crews discovered the body among the wreckage at the Electric Stick charity poker hall in the 6500 block of North Wayne Road.
A Firefighter is missing after a collapse at a strip mall fire this morning outside of Detroit, Michigan. Crews are on scene searching for the missing firefighter.
We will update with further information as it is available.
A ribbon is placed above the bay of Loganville Fire Department in honor of Chief Rodney Miller, who was killed early Saturday morning while directing traffic on Interstate 83. (Daily Record/Sunday News — Jason Plotkin)
A York County fire chief is dead after being hit while directing traffic overnight. Police have a suspect in custody.
Police say 32-year-old Matthew Diehl of Shrewsbury was driving on Interstate 83 near Exit 8 at Glen Rock, which was shut down because of a crash.
Police say Loganville Fire Chief Rodney Miller had his emergency vehicle parked with its emergency lights on when Diehl went around it, hitting Miller.
The Texas LODD Task Force is announcing the details on the combined memorial service for the families of first responders that were killed in the tragic events that occurred in the city of West, Texas.
Memorial service starts at 2pm on Thursday April 25, 2013 at the Ferrell Center on Baylor University Campus. The address for the Ferrell Center is 1900 S. University Parks Drive, Waco TX 76706.
All apparatus wishing to participate in the apparatus procession need to report to the staging area between 6am-9am. The apparatus staging area is located at 2501 S. University Parks Dr., Waco TX 76706 at the Old HEB Terminal.
All Uniformed personnel wishing to walk in the procession to the Ferrell Center need to report to the same staging area between 6am-10am. There will be parking and security for vehicles.
Visiting Honor Guards are encouraged to bring their colors for the walking procession. An area at the Ferrell Center will be set aside for Honor Guards to store their equipment during the services.
Apparatus procession will begin moving from the staging area to the Ferrell Center at 11:00 am. And the walking procession will step off at 12:00pm from the staging area to the Ferrell Center
All uniformed personnel will be at the Ferrell Center and begin seating by 1pm. Doors will open for the public after the walking Uniformed Personnel have entered the Ferrell Center.
TX LODD Task Force logistics is working on providing food, water, tents, etc. to the staging area, those participating are encourage to bring their own snacks and water as this will be a long day.
The victims identities in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion are still being processed. I have still not seen any “official” word on exactly who died and what their role was at the scene. Below you will find that there are currently believed to be 9 firefighters dead after the tragedy. The 9 firefighters represent several departments.
Information below compiled from here, here and here
Their “role” will be important in the future…right now, it really doesn’t matter to me. These souls were lost in an enormous tragedy that will have a small community rebuilding for years to come. The toll it had on the West Volunteer Fire Department is amazing in itself. From reports, it seems as though they had 5 firefighters die in the explosion; 11 firefighters injured and hospitalized; and 3 fire apparatus destroyed.
There will be “official” word soon. Until then, I will repost the names I posted in this article with the addition of 1 name, Cody Dragoo. I did not read anything about his death until today.
The people listed below are believed to be 12 of the 14 confirmed deaths in the blast.
West Volunteer Fire Department Members
Morris Bridges, 41. Firefighter for West VFD. Fire Sprinkler Technician for Action Fire Pros.
Cody Dragoo, 50. Firefighter for West VFD. Foreman at West Fertilizer Co.
Robert Snokhous, 48. Firefighter for West VFD. Employee at Central Texas Iron Works.
Doug Snokhous, 50. Firefighter for West VFD. Employee at Central Texas Iron Works.
Joey Pustejovsky. Firefighter for West VFD. City of West Secretary.
In addition to those above, the people below also are believed to have died in the blast. Their role, response, and department they were responding for are not exactly known at this time. Some of the people below may NOT have been responding as Fire and/or EMS personnel. It is believed that some (possibly 4) of the people below were responding as EMS personnel even though they are volunteer firefighters.
Perry Calvin, 37. Firefighter for Mertens and Navarro Mills VFDs. Student at Hill College Fire Academy.
Jerry Chapman, 26. Firefighter for Abbott VFD.
Jimmy Matus, 52. Owner of Westex Welding in West, Texas.
Cyrus Reed. Firefighter for Abbott VFD. Worked at Waxahachie plant.
Buck Uptmor, 40′s. Owner of a fencing company and lived near West. *listed some places as a Firefighter for West VFD.
Kenny Harris, 52. Dallas FD Fire Captain.
Kevin Sanders is listed as missing. He is a member of Bruceville-Eddy VFD. He was attending the EMS class in West that night and was one of the initial first responders to the fire.
I will be away from my computer during the live coverage. If the video above does not load, please visit STATter911.com.
A casket carrying the remains of Philadelphia Fire Captain Michael Goodwin arrives at the Givnish Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 10th. Photo from http://abclocal.go.com/
I got accepted to the Virginia Fire Officer Academy (June 9-14) at the University of Richmond. The VFOA is put on by the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association. I am excited for the opportunity.
There has been a lot of articles, videos, and updates on FireCritic.com and the Facebook page. Be sure to keep up!
Check out Crosstitched for a deal. They have several new designs available on their web site. They have been announcing them on their Facebook Page. Here is one example: Firemen’s Prayer Burnout Printed In Metallic Ink, With Foil. 3XL-4XL Printed On Solid Black 100% Cotton. Available Under Size. Get Your Weekend Pre Order Discount, Plus Spend $50 Get Free Shipping. http://www.crosstitched.com/firemans-prayer-burnout/, while you are there you can pick up the Fire Critic/Iron Firemen “Hey Brother” T-shirt.
Hero Rush - The obstacle race by firefighters for everyone. Are you in? Join the nearest race to you and save $10 with promo code Save10 and join the “343″ wave to support the NFFF. Details and dates at HeroRush.com – bring the crew, family & friends.
PGFDPIO.Blogspot.com:
This story was authored by a Prince George’s County Firefighter that suffered severe burn injuries while battling a house fire in Kettering four years ago. A firefighter that had sustained such horrific burn injuries we were not sure he was going to survive. He did survive and than we became concerned that he would never be able to return to work as a firefighter again, he did. On the fourth anniversary of his sustaining burn injuries he has shared, on his Facebook page, his thoughts as he remembers them and we have reprinted them here.
For previous coverage of this story click here and here and here. A Safety Investigative Team report of the incident can be read here.
Tribute Wine from Distant Cellars to Support the NFFF. You might remember I told everyone about the Tribute Wine being available from Distant Cellars last month, well it is finally time to order! Check out what I wrote about Distant Cellars and why they created the Tribute Wine and then go buy some! More information here (or the direct link to the wine)
Public Safety Confessions on Facebook – a new page has sprouted up and I am wondering what you all think about it. Here is the idea behind it:
It is a “confessions page”. People who need to vent or bitch out a person with out actually publicly doing so can. We have a anonymous survey up so anyone can submit a confession and then I post it to FB. It can never be tracked back to the person. These confessions pages are all the rage on college campuses. Way for kids to vent about school, and professors and life as a student. There are a few rules including: no mentioning people by name, no saying exact depts, no talk of doing illegal activity, no harassment.
Asst. Chief Harold Hollingsworth, 47, of the Fort Osage Fire Protection District (Missouri) died in a single vehicle accident while responding to a reported structure fire late Sunday night. This is the first LODD for Fort Osage Fire Protection District.
It is with great sadness, the Fort Osage Fire Protection District, experienced a great loss of Assistant Chief Harold Hollingsworth (47) in the Line of Duty. Assistant Chief Hollingsworth is a 16 year veteran of the department with his most recent promotion to Assistant Chief in December of 2010.
Assistant Chief Hollingsworth was enroute to a reported Structure Fire during active severe weather on Atherton Road. He was involved in a single vehicle accident during this response striking a tree. Assistant Chief Hollingsworth was transported to a local hospital where he received treatment and succumbed to his injuries.
Assistant Chief Hollingsworth was a valued member of the Fort Osage Fire Protection District and served this community with honor and integrity. He leaves behind a loving family and fire department family.
Arrangements are currently in progress.
All media requests shall be made through the Public Information Officer, Deputy Chief Todd Farley (CJCFPD) at 816-797-9197 or tfarley@cjcfpd.org, at the request of the Fort Osage Fire Protection District.
Hollingsworth was married and had two sons and had served in the Missouri National Guard. The Lexington resident began his career with Fort Osage as a firefighter and paramedic. After working his way through the department ranks, Hollingsworth earned a promotion to assistant fire chief in 2010, Farley said.
Michael R. Goodwin, Sr.,Captain, Philadelphia Fire Department, Badge # 2773, passed away tragically serving the citizens of Philadelphia on April 6, 2013.Beloved husband of Kelly (nee McDonnell). Loving Dad of Dorothy Dunn (Timothy) and Michael R., Jr. Loving Pop of Timothy Jr. and Bailey Dunn. Dear son of Elizabeth and the late James Goodwin, brother of James (Kelly), Robert (Brenda) and Deborah Goodwin, brother in law of Thomas McDonnell (Joann). Also Surviving are many nieces and nephews. Mike was a member of the Philadelphia Fire Department for over 29 years. He became a firefighter on September 9, 1983, Class # 153. Mike proudly served in the U.S. Navy as an E-4 and was honorably discharged on August 27, 1983. Mike was awarded many commendations while serving the citizens of Philadelphia. He was a Philadelphia Sports fan but the most important aspect of Michael’s life was his family. Relatives, friends, members of Philadelphia Fire Department Local 22 and all first responders are invited to share in Mike’s Life Celebration Wednesday from 5:00- 9:00 PM and Thursday morning from 9:00 to 10:45 AM at John F. Givnish of Academy Rd. 10975 Academy Rd. Michael’s Life Celebration Service will be held at 12:00 Noon at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 2139 E. Cumberland St. Interment Hillside Cemetery, Roslyn, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Mike’s memory to the Firefighters Widow Fund c/o Local 22, 415 N. 5th St. Phila, PA 19123 would be appreciated. To share your fondest memories of Mike visit www.lifecelebration.com
Binghamton, NY — John Janos, a longtime city firefighter and paramedic, was mourned Saturday by those he served with for nearly 25 years before passing away Friday night while on-duty at the Hawley Street fire station. He was 57.
Janos was a dedicated firefighter and a loving family man, Fire Chief Daniel Thomas said late Saturday. The department is struggling to make sense of his loss, the chief said.
“John was a valued member of the department and a trusted friend,” Thomas said. “He had a true feeling of what it meant to help others.”
Binghamton Fire Capt. Edward Bergman fondly recalled serving with Janos throughout his career.
Binghamton firefighter John Janos tosses green beads during Parade Day in Binghamton last month. Janos died Friday night at age 57. / CASEY STAFF / File Photo from pressconnects.com.
A 3 alarm fire in a building on Fabric Row in South Philadelphia claimed the life of a Philadelphia Fire Captain and injured another firefighter. The fire broke out at South 4th and Fitzwater Streets on Saturday.
Captain Michael Goodwin
Captain Michael Goodwin died of injuries sustained during a roof collapse. Goodwin was assigned to Ladder 27 and was a 29 year veteran of the Philadelphia FD. Firefighter Andrew Godlinski was burned in the attempted rescue of Captain Goodwin.
Captain Michael Goodwin, 53, was killed in the line of duty, Amy Daly, a nursing supervisor at Jefferson University Hospitals, told The Associated Press. Goodwin was a 29-year veteran of the fire department. Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers says he was killed in a fall from the third floor roof to the second.The second firefighter, Andrew Godlinski, 28, of Ladder 2, was hospitalized with burns. Officials say he was injured while trying to rescue Captain Goodwin. He is expected to survive.
A three-alarm fire Saturday night raced through a fabric store, upstairs apartments and a boutique next door at South 4th and Fitzwater Streets in South Philadelphia, fatally injuring a firefighter when part of the building’s roof collapsed.The collapse left the firefighter trapped inside the building on the street known as Fabric Row, officials said. Other firefighters saluted as his body was carried out on a stretcher and taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.A second firefighter was hospitalized with burns after what officials described as a rescue attempt. There were no immediate reports of injuries to others.
Photography by Peter Tobia Fire on 4th & Fitzwater St. in section of Philadelphia known as fabric row on Saturday, April 6, 2013. For the Inquirer / Peter Tobia
HUDSON - The Hudson firefighter who was killed in a crash on Interstate 39 last night was also a career firefighter for the Bloomington Fire Department.
Christopher R. Brown, 39 of Hudson, was killed in a crash involving a semi-tractor trailer and three emergency vehicles. He was a married father of two.
McLean County Coroner Beth Kimmerling said an autopsy found Brown died of multiple injuries to the head and body.
Christopher Brown was a full-time firefighter for the city of Bloomington and a volunteer firefighter for the Hudson Community Fire Protection District. (Photo courtesy of the Hudson Community Fire Protection District)
Last night, March 5th, a semi-tractor trailer lost control and drove through an accident scene on I-39 near mile marker 6 in Hudson, IL. The semi collided with three emergency vehicles and struck/injured 6 Hudson Firefighters. One of those members succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The firefighter, whose name has not been released, was 39 years old and a volunteer for the Hudson Community Fire Protection District and a career firefighter for the City of Bloomington (according to Pentagraph.com)
McLean County Coroner Beth Kimmerling releases the following information concerning a motor vehicle fatality that occurred on the evening of Tuesday, March 5th 2013 in Hudson, IL. At approximately 2145 hours, MetCom received a 911 call in reference to a multiple vehicle incident on southbound I-39 near mile marker 6 in Hudson. Fire and police units were dispatched. Then at approximately 2245 hours, a southbound semi-tractor trailer carrying a load of automobiles lost control and struck three official first responder vehicles belonging to Hudson Community Fire Protection District (HCFPD) and the Illinois State Police (ISP). Six members of HCFPD were injured and transported to Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal. At 2238 hours on March 5th, a member of the Hudson Fire Department succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Emergency Department Staff.
“Today we lost a member of our Hudson family. We share in the sorrow felt by his loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contributions be made to this community and the impact he has left on the Hudson Fire Department,” said Chief Dan Hite, Hudson Community Fire Protection District. “The Hudson Fire Department is a close-knit family, and the loss of one of our own affects us all. A tragedy of this type is felt by each and every member, but together we can make it through. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
We ask that at this time that all media please allow our Department and families time to grieve. Any questions specific to the Hudson Fire Department can be directed to Chief Dan Hite at 309-824-2226 or Capt. Shane Hill, HFD Public Affairs Officer at 309-310-3788.
An autopsy will be scheduled for Wednesday, March 6th. The identity of this firefighter will be released along with preliminary autopsy results later in the business day. Any questions regarding the death investigation may be directed to Coroner Beth Kimmerling.
An Accident Reconstructionist from the Illinois State Police has been assigned to the incident and is working with the Coroner’s Office and Hudson Fire Department on the circumstances surrounding this crash.
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness I have to report the passing of one of our members. He was struck by a semi last night while at a accident scene. We also had 5 others firefighter’s treated and released from a local hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, those injured and the rest of the department members as we move through this difficult time. Thank all of you for your kind words and keep all of us especially the family in your prayers.
Below is a Press Release from the Knotts Island FD including the funeral arrangements for Morrison.
March 5, 2013
Fire Chief Scott Morrison
RE: Funeral Arrangements for Chief Scott Morrison, Knotts Island Volunteer Fire Department
Knotts Island, NC – Chief Scott Andrew Morrison, 44, of Knotts Island, NC passed away on March 3rd, 2013.
Born in Teaneck, NJ, Scott was the Fire Chief for Knotts Island Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Tidewater Fire Photography Association.
Chief Morrison is survived by his wife, Jessica Marie Morrison, a daughter, Kaitlyn, and a son, Sean, all of Knotts Island. He is also survived by his sister, Eileen Parkman of Jordan, NJ, two brothers, Joseph P. Morrison, Jr. of Orlando, FL and Michael J. Morrison of Cresskill, NJ, his mother, Gwen D. Morrison of Toms River, NJ and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph P. Morrison, Sr.
The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Bridge Chapel, 524 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322, 757-547-9511, Saturday March 9th from 7-9pm. A memorial service will be conducted at 2pm on Sunday March 10th. Location of the service will be Knotts Island Volunteer Fire Department, 327 Knotts Island Road, Knotts Island, NC 27950. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Knotts Island Fire Department. Condolences may be made to the Morrison Family via email at chiefmorrisonmemorial@gmail.com
Memorial service planning is ongoing. Additional information concerning directions to event and parking will be forthcoming. Due to limited access to Knotts Island, apparatus to be used will be selected prior to the memorial service and the participating departments notified.
North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation is supporting the Morrison Family and the Knotts Island VFD. Contact for NCFFF support team is Walter Jones 252-883-1197.
My friend and Brother, Fire Chief Scott Morrison, died in the line of duty today. Morrison was the Fire Chief of the Knotts Island Volunteer Fire Department (VA/NC).
Chief Morrison went into cardiac arrest while working at a brush fire. He was transported to the hospital and was pronounced dead at 5:30pm.
Chief Morrison visited with Captain Wines and I back in May. We broke bread at #13 where Wines was working and were joined by Willie Wines Sr. as well. I gave Scott the nickel tour of Roanoke’s firehouses and we had a great day. Scott was a great guy. He is survived by his wife and two children.
What is amazing, is that as the news of Morrison’s death reaches firefighters across the Nation, I continue to hear great things about him. I cannot say enough, and I only new him over the past year. Others have known him much longer, some less. All have great things to say about the man. Morrison had been a firefighter since 1984. If I remember correctly, he had previously been a police officer and moved to Knotts Island from New Jersey (my details could be off).
Fire Chief Scott Morrison collapsed into respiratory and cardiac arrest, while working to suppress a brush fire. Morrison was treated at the scene by Currituck EMS and on the way to a Virginia hospital. He was pronounced dead at 5:30 p.m..
Scott Morrison, fire chief for Knotts Island Volunteer Fire Department, was responding to a brush fire when he went into cardiac arrest, county spokesman Randall Edwards said. Emergency personnel treated Morrison on scene and took him to a hospital, but he died about 5:30 p.m.
Chief Scott Morrison with Captain Wines and I in Roanoke. (May 2012)
This morning, my department’s training Lieutenant called me. He was looking for the video that he and I watched along with the rest of our recruit school 14 years ago today on our first day with the department. He wasn’t quite sure on the title of it, and unfortunately I can’t remember it at all. So I did what I always do…I asked you guys over on the Fire Critic Facebook Page…and as always, you guys came through for me. No matter the question, I can always rely on the knowledge and experience of the 20k+ friends, fans, Brothers and Sisters on the page to help me out. After all, contrary to popular belief I do not know everything.
Artwork by FireMedicArt.com (D. Fitch)
Our next recruit school begins on Monday, and the Lt. is looking for that video or another to show the recruits on the first day. I believe the one he is looking for is titled “To Hell and Back” and that is what he thought to, but he couldn’t find it. I believe that is the name of it, but I couldn’t find it online anywhere. I am guessing we have a copy at the training center.
Below are just some of the videos that were recommended by the FB Brothers. I will add that this article was a quick idea I had after all of the great examples shared…and then I sat down and watched all of the videos, one by one. I was holding it together until the Pipes started playing on the Kyle Wilson Tribute video…then I lost it.
Feel free to share more in the comments below.
Fire Fighter Anthem – This One’s For The Firefighters
Firefighter David Schnepp, 43, died after a brush fire Sunday evening. The details of Schnepp’s death should be released this evening. Schnepp was a 20 year veteran firefighter. He spent the last 3 with the Carters Valley Volunteer Fire Department in Hawkins County, Tennessee. Previously, he had volunteered with Lakeview, Bulls Gap, and Striggersville.
Lt. Gregory Pickard has succumb to his injuries he sustained while attempting to rescue Lt. Eric Wallace in last nights fire in Bryan, Tx. Lt. Wallace died in the fire. Lt. Pickard died in the burn unit. Two other firefighters remain in the hospital.
Lt. Gregory Pickard (left) and Lt. Eric Wallace, Bryan Fire frDepartment.
54-year-old Lieutenant Gregory Pickard (32 years on the job) and 36-year-old Lieutenant Eric Wallace (13 years) have both lost their lives in what we have been told was an attempt to save other Firefighters. 30-year-old FF Ricky Mantey Jr. and 21-year-old FF Mitchel Moran remain in the hospital in stable condition. At some point Lt. Wallace’s team went into the structure, but was ordered to evacuate. Wallace didn’t come out and he called for help, saying he was low on air. Firefighters found Wallace, a 13-year veteran, inside and early reports indicated Wallace became trapped when a portion of the roof reportedly collapsed.
FUNERAL DETAILS FOR LT. WALLACE:
Funeral arrangements for Lt. Eric Wallace have just been set as follows. The funeral will be Thursday, Feb. 21, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Bryan. The funeral procession will immediately follow the funeral service with burial at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Marlin, Texas. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home in Marlin. Much more to follow.
Earlier Coverage:
Lt. Eric Wallace died late last night at a fire in the Knights of Columbus Hall in Bryan, Texas. The hall is located at the 1500 block of Groesbeck Dr. Firefighters were called out around 11:20 p.m. Friday.
Three firefighters were also injured in the fire including Lt. Greg Pickard, 54; Firefighter Ricky Mantey Jr., 30; and Probationary Firefighter Mitch Moran, 21. They were transported to the hospital for injuries.
Lt. Eric Wallace, Bryan Fire Department
Wallace had been a member of the department for 13 years. He is survived by his wife, Brandi, and five children.
Bryan firefighters responded to a major commercial structural fire at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1500 Groesbeck Street in Bryan at approximately 11:20 p.m., February 15.
Fire Lieutenant Eric Wallace, age 36, died in the line of duty. Three other firefighters were injured in the blaze and have been transported to burn units in other locations. Those three are Lieutenant Gregory W. Pickard, age 54, Firefighter Ricky D. Mantey, Jr., age 30, and Probationary Firefighter Mitchel S. Moran, age 21.
Fire officials report that a passerby saw the fire and called 9-1-1. Several Bryan units responded. College Station Fire Department helped secure the site after the Bryan firefighters were injured.
Bryan Fire Chief Randy McGregor said in a press conference at 6:00 a.m. that the State Fire Marshal’s Office will investigate the incident to determine the cause of the fire. It is reported that no activities were occurring in the KC Hall when the fire was reported to 9-1-1. Since the cause of the fire is under investigation, details cannot be released at this time.
Chief McGregor said, “There are no words to express our grief at the loss of Eric and our concern for Greg, Ricky and Mitch, and their families. These four courageous individuals represent the best of the profession and are true heroes in every sense of the word. “
Lt. Wallace protected the citizens of Bryan for almost 13 years with the Bryan Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, Brandi, and five children. Pickard, Mantey and Moran have served 32 years, 5 years, and 10 months, respectively, with the Bryan Fire Department.
The City of Bryan family appreciates the support of our neighbors in College Station and surrounding Volunteer Fire Departments. We would ask that the privacy of these brave men and their families be respected at this difficult time.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Owego Fire Department announces the Line of Duty Death of Captain Matthew Porcari while battling a house fire last night. Injured in the blaze was Firefighter Daniel Gavin, who was transported to a local hospital and then transferred to the burn unit at Upstate Medical in Syracuse NY. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Porcari and Gavin families in this tragic time.
Owego Deputy Fire Chief Bob Williams said Owego firefighters Matthew Porcari and Daniel Gavin were in the building when the floor collapsed. Porcari died in the fire. Gavin was taken to Wilson Hospital with burns before being transferred to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.
The scene of a fire at 871 Chamberlain Road in Newark Valley was still smoking Tuesday morning. A firefighter from Owego died in a floor collapse and another was injured in the blaze, which was reported late Monday night. / Debbie Swartz/Staff photo
According to news accounts, a firefighter was killed and another injured after a fall through a floor at a house fire in the Newark Valley area of New York State.
All of the information below is available at WestWebsterFD.org. Please rely on their site over FireCritic.com for the most up-to-date information. Feel free to let me know if you have questions, but there are emails below for contacts in West Webster.
Calling hours for both firefighters will be held at the Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, Webster, New York. The calling hours Friday night, December 28th, willONLY be for members of the West Webster Fire Department, Webster Fire Department and Webster Police Officers. All others should plan on paying your respects at the calling hours Saturday December 29th which will be held from 12-3 PM & 6-9 PM at Schroeder High School.
Funeral services for Past Chief Chiapperini will be held Sunday 12 noon, December 30th at Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, Webster. All participants are asked to park in the South (rear) parking lots of the school.
Funeral Services for Firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka will be held Monday, January 1stat 10:00 AM at the St. Stanislaus Church (Hudson Avenue and Norton Street). Parking will be very limited in the area of the church so we suggest you car pool as much as possible.
Procession:
Fire apparatus for the procession to the respective cemeteries is limited to Webster PD, Webster and West Webster Fire personnel and apparatus.
Reception:
Information about a reception after the funeral services will be forth coming.
This is a very dynamic time. As preparations are being made changes are to be expected. Please check back for additional information as any changes will be posted as we receive them.
Any questions pertaining to these week-end events can be emailed directed to PIO@westwebsterfd.org.
Lodging:
Limited lodging is being made available at local fire stations for out of town fire departments who wish to attend the calling hours and/or the funeral services for Past Chief Mike Chiapperini and Firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka. Point of contact for firehouse lodging is Webster Chief Chris Smith who can be reached at 585-645-9886 or csmith@nejfd.org.
Additional local hotel accommodations are available on the Sleep page at at the VisitRochester.com site.
Previous coverage on the murders of two West Webster Firefighters on The Fire Critic here. The links and information below cover most of the coverage of the incident. For information on the killer who took his own life, you will find it in the links. I don’t feel the need to share it here.
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Firefighters Michael Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczówka were killed while arriving at a house fire in West Webster, NY yesterday. Firefighters Theodore Scardino and Joseph Hofstetter were also shot in the incident. Off-duty Greece police officer John Ritter, was also injured by shrapnel in the attacks.
Many of the videos related to the incident including audio from the scene is below in this article. I encourage all fire, police, and EMS personnel to take a listen to the chilling yet courageous audio from the scene. Dave Statter said it best when he dubbed it “Extreme Courage Under Fire”.
I will share the arrangements as they are available. Be sure to check out WestWebsterFD.org for official notifications from the department.
Our Fallen:
Michael Chiapperini and Tomacz Kaczówka
Lt. Michael Chiapperini, 43, had been named Firefighter of the Year just two weeks ago, and he led the fire department’s Explorer program for young people interested in becoming firefighters. He had recently taken vacation time to help recovery efforts after Hurricane Sandy, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported. He also was the public information officer for the Webster Police Department. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son, who also worked with the fire department.
Tomasz Kaczówka, 19, was a 911 dispatcher for Monroe County. He also was a member of the Explorers group that Chiapperini advised, had worked at a fast-food restaurant and had been a member of the fire department for about a year. One of three brothers, he was studying at Monroe County Community College. On his Facebook page, he said he could speak Polish and German.
In addition to our Brothers who died, three men were injured in the attacks as well including two firefighters and an off-duty police officer.
Firefighters Theodore Scardino and Joseph Hofstetter (l-r)
The two wounded firefighters, Joseph Hofstetter and Theodore Scardino, were in guarded condition in the intensive care unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, authorities said. Both were awake and alert and are expected to recover.
Hofstetter, also a full-timer with the Rochester Fire Department, was hit once in the pelvis, and the bullet lodged in his spine, authorities said. Scardino was hit in the chest and knee.
Off-duty Greece police officer John Ritter, was also injured by shrapnel.
The horrific event s this Christmas Eve has taxed the members of the West Webster Fire Department and entire Monroe County fire service community. It is events like this that bring us closer together as a fire service community dedicated to the preservation of life and property. As our department begins the healing process we ask for the community’s indulgence and prayers. Your expressions of love, concern and well-being for the family members of our deceased brothers is gratefully acknowledged. As we move forward in the coming days we look to the community for strength and guidance to carry on our mission.
also
For anyone inquiring the West Webster Fire Department has not established any donation or fundraising for our lost loved ones and their families at this time. If in the future there is any information on these we will put it on the website.
Updated: Dave Statter posted chilling audio from the scene of the fire where Michael Chiapperini & Tomasz Kaczówka were killed. Listen to that here. Injured Firefighter has calm radio transmission and asks for EMS due to bullet wounds.
I first posted about this shooting on The Fire Critic Facebook page this morning. More information is coming out of West Webster, NY as the events unfold. Four firefighters have been shot along with an off duty police officer. Two of those firefighters are dead after an unknown gunman opened fire at a house fire in Webster, NY.
Update: Next press release update at 2pm.
Webster Police Chief Gerald Pickering identified the four firefighters and one off duty police officer shot this morning, including the two firefighters who died. All four of the firefighters are members of the West Webster Fire Department.
The Firefighters killed:
Michael Chiapperini - volunteer with West Webster FD and Lt. with the Webster PD.
Tomasz Kaczówka - volunteer with West Webster FD
The firefighters injured:
Joseph Hofsetter and Theodore Scardino are the two other firefighters were shot and are listed in guarded condition.
Off-duty Greece police officer John Ritter, was also injured by shrapnel.
The West Webster Fire Department was called to the area for the report of a structure fire on Lake Road just before 6:00am. As the firefighters arrived to the fire, there was gunfire and four firefighters were shot. Two of them died from their injuries.
News reports from WHAM-TV have identified the firefighters shot as belonging to the West Webster Fire Department. The original reports placed the incident in nearby Webster, NY. Details are still emerging from the area. The West Webster FD web site is here. The confusion is understandable and I attempt to offer the most factual information available. This often means holding off to get the correct information. While the news channel above has identified the firefighters as being from West Webster, we have yet to see anything official from the department(s) involved.
At least two Webster firefighters are dead, and three houses on Lake Road continue to burn after a gunman open fired on firefighters who responded to an early morning fire.
The fire broke out before 6 a.m. on the 100 block of Lake Road on the Irondequoit Bay side of the street.
Captain Herbert Johnson (left), 54, a Morgan Park resident and a 33-year veteran of the department is promoted to the rank of Captain by Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago (right), August 10, 2012. (Fire Media Affairs)
Updated with video & links about Captain Johnson’s Death.
Chicago FD Captain Herbert “Herbie” Johnson, 54, and assigned to TL-39 has been identified as the firefighter who died in the South Side Fire today.
A Chicago Firefighter has died in the line of duty today after sustaining injuries in a South Side firefighter. The firefighter, not identified yet, was injured with another firefighter after a MAYDAY was called at the fire. The death was announced on the Chicago FD Twitter page (@CFDMedia): “This is director Larry Langford of the Cfd. It is my sad duty to announce the line of duty death of a Chicago firefighter.”
Two firefighters were injured in the South Side house fire, and witnesses say they saw fellow firefighters performing chest compressions on one of the injured before he was rushed away.
Firefighters work to clean up after a two alarm fire in the 2300 block of West 50th Place on Chicago’s South Side. (Reid Compton/for the Chicago Tribune / November 2, 2012)
The firefighters may have been trapped in a flashover, in which a building bursts into flame suddenly, Langford said.
Firefighters were called to the scene at 5:15 p.m. for the fire in the Gage Park neighborhood. The building was a frame home, 2-1/2 stories tall and about 25 feet by 40 feet, Ahlheim said.
The firefighter who died in the line of duty in Easton, Connecticut has been identified as Lt. Russ Neary. The incident occurred around 7:45pm on Monday night as Hurricane Sandy hit landfall. The incident happened on Judd Road. Lt. Neary was hit by a falling tree limb while removing debris from in front of his truck.
I will update with more information as it becomes available.
This post will be updated through the night as information comes in. Please feel free to share your information, photos, video, etc. Send them to firecritic@firecritic.com
It has been confirmed that a firefighter has died in the line of duty in Easton, CT.
Ohio Task Force 1 is heading east (not sure where though)
FDNY is busy with several fires across the City.
We are hearing reports that a Livingston, NJ Fire Engine overturned and trapped a firefighter. They requested a heavy rescue for the incident. Nothing further at this time.
The initial explosion at the Con Ed Plant, E14th and FDR in New York City. Released under Creative Commons License. Please credit: TrillianMedia.
Update: 22:20 hours
We are safe here in Roanoke. Wind Gusts reaching 60mph recorded at 10pm at the airport. Captain Wines is riding the car (BC2) tonight on the Northside. I go back to work on Thursday.
CBS has a special broadcast on Hurricane Sandy right now. One reporter is standing in front of a firehouse in Allenhurst, NJ.
Tennessee Task Force 1 is deploying to Virginia.
Charlotte USAR Task Force heading to Maryland.
If you are wondering how the FDNY is doing, you can check their Facebook Page or NYC.Gov. According to friends, the 911 system is taking a hit and they are busy as hell!
There is still no official word on the possible LODD in Easton, CT. Here is another link on the story. Scroll down for the original post on this.
Below: A transformer explodes in Teaneck, NJ, Monday night. Homeowners Lisa and Bill Gilbert were in the house when they heard the pop, and the family fled as lines fell down, quickly sparking a fire. Firefighters are standing by as they cannot douse a live-wire fire.
POSSIBLE LODD - Easton, CT. There is word that a tree fell on an engine killing one member. This has not been verified, however there is this report here of CPR being administered to a Firefighter (story here). The possible LODD was also mentioned on this live coverage of the storm. This occurred around 7pm tonight.
The Lyndhurst Patch offered this very unique photo of firefighters battling a house fire in knee deep water. Check out the story (with 3 more images) here and more information below
Posted by Denise Karl, October 29, 2012: ‘As if a volunteer fire-fighter’s job wasn’t hard enough, now they have to do it in waist high water.’ Editor’s Note: This was a house fire on South Sixth Street in Lindenhurst, Mayor Tom Brennan and Ray Fais, emergency manager for the Village confirmed. They had no other details about this fire, and a call to Lindenhurst Fire Chief Jim Gallagher wasn’t immediately returned on Monday during Hurricane Sandy. Credit Denise Karl
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