2004 Line Of Duty Deaths 2004 Line Of

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths United States Fire Administration Despite continued advances in firefighting equipment, Incident Command System training, operations and safety training and improved communications, 117 firefighters died in the line of duty in the United States in 2004.

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths There were a total of 104 incidents that took the life of a firefighter in 2004: • • • Career firefighters, those who are employed full-time as firefighters, comprised 36 deaths. Volunteer, seasonal, and part-time firefighters accounted for 81 deaths. Half of the firefighters that died in 2004 died from traumatic injuries such as asphyxiation, burns, drowning, vehicle crashes, and other physical injuries. The balance of firefighter deaths in 2004 were attributed to non-traumatic injuries, such as heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks caused the deaths of 49 on-duty firefighters. Nine (9) firefighters died in 2004 in response to wildland fires (grass, trees, brush). Three (3) firefighters were killed when fire apparatus were backed over them. Five (5) firefighters were killed when struck by passing vehicles at the scene of an emergency. Four (4) firefighters were killed in falls from fire department vehicles. One (1) firefighter was shot and killed as she approached an emergency that involved domestic violence. Twenty firefighters died in vehicle collisions. – Seven (7) of these deaths involved the crash of the firefighter's personal vehicle. – Three (3) firefighters died in aircraft crashes. – Five (5) firefighters died in crashes that involved responding fire apparatus. The average of firefighters killed while on-duty in 2004 was 47. The average of a firefighter that died of a heart attack or stroke was 52; the average of firefighters who died of traumatic injuries was 42.

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths There were a total of 104 incidents that took the life of a firefighter in 2004: • • • Career firefighters, those who are employed full-time as firefighters, comprised 36 deaths. Volunteer, seasonal, and part-time firefighters accounted for 81 deaths. Half of the firefighters that died in 2004 died from traumatic injuries such as asphyxiation, burns, drowning, vehicle crashes, and other physical injuries. The balance of firefighter deaths in 2004 were attributed to non-traumatic injuries, such as heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks caused the deaths of 49 on-duty firefighters. Nine (9) firefighters died in 2004 in response to wildland fires (grass, trees, brush). Three (3) firefighters were killed when fire apparatus were backed over them. Five (5) firefighters were killed when struck by passing vehicles at the scene of an emergency. Four (4) firefighters were killed in falls from fire department vehicles. One (1) firefighter was shot and killed as she approached an emergency that involved domestic violence. Twenty firefighters died in vehicle collisions. – Seven (7) of these deaths involved the crash of the firefighter's personal vehicle. – Three (3) firefighters died in aircraft crashes. – Five (5) firefighters died in crashes that involved responding fire apparatus. The average of firefighters killed while on-duty in 2004 was 47. The average of a firefighter that died of a heart attack or stroke was 52; the average of firefighters who died of traumatic injuries was 42.

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths There were a total of 104 incidents that took the life of a firefighter in 2004: • • • Career firefighters, those who are employed full-time as firefighters, comprised 36 deaths. Volunteer, seasonal, and part-time firefighters accounted for 81 deaths. Half of the firefighters that died in 2004 died from traumatic injuries such as asphyxiation, burns, drowning, vehicle crashes, and other physical injuries. The balance of firefighter deaths in 2004 were attributed to non-traumatic injuries, such as heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks caused the deaths of 49 on-duty firefighters. Nine (9) firefighters died in 2004 in response to wildland fires (grass, trees, brush). Three (3) firefighters were killed when fire apparatus were backed over them. Five (5) firefighters were killed when struck by passing vehicles at the scene of an emergency. Four (4) firefighters were killed in falls from fire department vehicles. One (1) firefighter was shot and killed as she approached an emergency that involved domestic violence. Twenty firefighters died in vehicle collisions. – Seven (7) of these deaths involved the crash of the firefighter's personal vehicle. – Three (3) firefighters died in aircraft crashes. – Five (5) firefighters died in crashes that involved responding fire apparatus. The average of firefighters killed while on-duty in 2004 was 47. The average of a firefighter that died of a heart attack or stroke was 52; the average of firefighters who died of traumatic injuries was 42.

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths There were a total of 104 incidents that took the life of a firefighter in 2004: • • • Career firefighters, those who are employed full-time as firefighters, comprised 36 deaths. Volunteer, seasonal, and part-time firefighters accounted for 81 deaths. Half of the firefighters that died in 2004 died from traumatic injuries such as asphyxiation, burns, drowning, vehicle crashes, and other physical injuries. The balance of firefighter deaths in 2004 were attributed to non-traumatic injuries, such as heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks caused the deaths of 49 on-duty firefighters. Nine (9) firefighters died in 2004 in response to wildland fires (grass, trees, brush). Three (3) firefighters were killed when fire apparatus were backed over them. Five (5) firefighters were killed when struck by passing vehicles at the scene of an emergency. Four (4) firefighters were killed in falls from fire department vehicles. One (1) firefighter was shot and killed as she approached an emergency that involved domestic violence. Twenty firefighters died in vehicle collisions. – Seven (7) of these deaths involved the crash of the firefighter's personal vehicle. – Three (3) firefighters died in aircraft crashes. – Five (5) firefighters died in crashes that involved responding fire apparatus. The average of firefighters killed while on-duty in 2004 was 47. The average of a firefighter that died of a heart attack or stroke was 52; the average of firefighters who died of traumatic injuries was 42.

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths There were a total of 104 incidents that took the life of a firefighter in 2004: • • • Career firefighters, those who are employed full-time as firefighters, comprised 36 deaths. Volunteer, seasonal, and part-time firefighters accounted for 81 deaths. Half of the firefighters that died in 2004 died from traumatic injuries such as asphyxiation, burns, drowning, vehicle crashes, and other physical injuries. The balance of firefighter deaths in 2004 were attributed to non-traumatic injuries, such as heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks caused the deaths of 49 on-duty firefighters. Nine (9) firefighters died in 2004 in response to wildland fires (grass, trees, brush). Three (3) firefighters were killed when fire apparatus were backed over them. Five (5) firefighters were killed when struck by passing vehicles at the scene of an emergency. Four (4) firefighters were killed in falls from fire department vehicles. One (1) firefighter was shot and killed as she approached an emergency that involved domestic violence. Twenty firefighters died in vehicle collisions. – Seven (7) of these deaths involved the crash of the firefighter's personal vehicle. – Three (3) firefighters died in aircraft crashes. – Five (5) firefighters died in crashes that involved responding fire apparatus. The average of firefighters killed while on-duty in 2004 was 47. The average of a firefighter that died of a heart attack or stroke was 52; the average of firefighters who died of traumatic injuries was 42.

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths There were a total of 104 incidents that took the life of a firefighter in 2004: • • • Career firefighters, those who are employed full-time as firefighters, comprised 36 deaths. Volunteer, seasonal, and part-time firefighters accounted for 81 deaths. Half of the firefighters that died in 2004 died from traumatic injuries such as asphyxiation, burns, drowning, vehicle crashes, and other physical injuries. The balance of firefighter deaths in 2004 were attributed to non-traumatic injuries, such as heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks caused the deaths of 49 on-duty firefighters. Nine (9) firefighters died in 2004 in response to wildland fires (grass, trees, brush). Three (3) firefighters were killed when fire apparatus were backed over them. Five (5) firefighters were killed when struck by passing vehicles at the scene of an emergency. Four (4) firefighters were killed in falls from fire department vehicles. One (1) firefighter was shot and killed as she approached an emergency that involved domestic violence. Twenty firefighters died in vehicle collisions. – Seven (7) of these deaths involved the crash of the firefighter's personal vehicle. – Three (3) firefighters died in aircraft crashes. – Five (5) firefighters died in crashes that involved responding fire apparatus. The average of firefighters killed while on-duty in 2004 was 47. The average of a firefighter that died of a heart attack or stroke was 52; the average of firefighters who died of traumatic injuries was 42.

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths There were a total of 104 incidents that took the life of a firefighter in 2004: • • • Career firefighters, those who are employed full-time as firefighters, comprised 36 deaths. Volunteer, seasonal, and part-time firefighters accounted for 81 deaths. Half of the firefighters that died in 2004 died from traumatic injuries such as asphyxiation, burns, drowning, vehicle crashes, and other physical injuries. The balance of firefighter deaths in 2004 were attributed to non-traumatic injuries, such as heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks caused the deaths of 49 on-duty firefighters. Nine (9) firefighters died in 2004 in response to wildland fires (grass, trees, brush). Three (3) firefighters were killed when fire apparatus were backed over them. Five (5) firefighters were killed when struck by passing vehicles at the scene of an emergency. Four (4) firefighters were killed in falls from fire department vehicles. One (1) firefighter was shot and killed as she approached an emergency that involved domestic violence. Twenty firefighters died in vehicle collisions. – Seven (7) of these deaths involved the crash of the firefighter's personal vehicle. – Three (3) firefighters died in aircraft crashes. – Five (5) firefighters died in crashes that involved responding fire apparatus. The average of firefighters killed while on-duty in 2004 was 47. The average of a firefighter that died of a heart attack or stroke was 52; the average of firefighters who died of traumatic injuries was 42.

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths There were a total of 104 incidents that took the life of a firefighter in 2004: • • • Career firefighters, those who are employed full-time as firefighters, comprised 36 deaths. Volunteer, seasonal, and part-time firefighters accounted for 81 deaths. Half of the firefighters that died in 2004 died from traumatic injuries such as asphyxiation, burns, drowning, vehicle crashes, and other physical injuries. The balance of firefighter deaths in 2004 were attributed to non-traumatic injuries, such as heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks caused the deaths of 49 on-duty firefighters. Nine (9) firefighters died in 2004 in response to wildland fires (grass, trees, brush). Three (3) firefighters were killed when fire apparatus were backed over them. Five (5) firefighters were killed when struck by passing vehicles at the scene of an emergency. Four (4) firefighters were killed in falls from fire department vehicles. One (1) firefighter was shot and killed as she approached an emergency that involved domestic violence. Twenty firefighters died in vehicle collisions. – Seven (7) of these deaths involved the crash of the firefighter's personal vehicle. – Three (3) firefighters died in aircraft crashes. – Five (5) firefighters died in crashes that involved responding fire apparatus. The average of firefighters killed while on-duty in 2004 was 47. The average of a firefighter that died of a heart attack or stroke was 52; the average of firefighters who died of traumatic injuries was 42.

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths There were a total of 104 incidents that took the life of a firefighter in 2004: • • • Career firefighters, those who are employed full-time as firefighters, comprised 36 deaths. Volunteer, seasonal, and part-time firefighters accounted for 81 deaths. Half of the firefighters that died in 2004 died from traumatic injuries such as asphyxiation, burns, drowning, vehicle crashes, and other physical injuries. The balance of firefighter deaths in 2004 were attributed to non-traumatic injuries, such as heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks caused the deaths of 49 on-duty firefighters. Nine (9) firefighters died in 2004 in response to wildland fires (grass, trees, brush). Three (3) firefighters were killed when fire apparatus were backed over them. Five (5) firefighters were killed when struck by passing vehicles at the scene of an emergency. Four (4) firefighters were killed in falls from fire department vehicles. One (1) firefighter was shot and killed as she approached an emergency that involved domestic violence. Twenty (20) firefighters died in vehicle collisions. – Seven (7) of these deaths involved the crash of the firefighter's personal vehicle. – Three (3) firefighters died in aircraft crashes. – Five (5) firefighters died in crashes that involved responding fire apparatus. The average of firefighters killed while on-duty in 2004 was 47. The average of a firefighter that died of a heart attack or stroke was 52; the average of firefighters who died of traumatic injuries was 42.

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths There were a total of 104 incidents that took the life of a firefighter in 2004: • • • Career firefighters, those who are employed full-time as firefighters, comprised 36 deaths. Volunteer, seasonal, and part-time firefighters accounted for 81 deaths. Half of the firefighters that died in 2004 died from traumatic injuries such as asphyxiation, burns, drowning, vehicle crashes, and other physical injuries. The balance of firefighter deaths in 2004 were attributed to non-traumatic injuries, such as heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks caused the deaths of 49 on-duty firefighters. Nine (9) firefighters died in 2004 in response to wildland fires (grass, trees, brush). Three (3) firefighters were killed when fire apparatus were backed over them. Five (5) firefighters were killed when struck by passing vehicles at the scene of an emergency. Four (4) firefighters were killed in falls from fire department vehicles. One (1) firefighter was shot and killed as she approached an emergency that involved domestic violence. Twenty (20) firefighters died in vehicle collisions. – Seven (7) of these deaths involved the crash of the firefighter's personal vehicle. – Three (3) firefighters died in aircraft crashes. – Five (5) firefighters died in crashes that involved responding fire apparatus. The average of firefighters killed while on-duty in 2004 was 47. The average of a firefighter that died of a heart attack or stroke was 52; the average of firefighters who died of traumatic injuries was 42.

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Classification Career Wild land Full-Time Part-Time (Paid) Paid-on-Call Volunteer Wild land Part-Time Wild land Contract 36 4 2 2 68 2 3 Multiple Firefighter Fatality Incidents: 3 Wild land Firefighter Fatalities: 20

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Type of Duty Responding Training On-Scene Fire On-Scene Non-Fire After Other On-Duty Returning 17 13 30 11 23 18 5 Percent of Fatalities Related to Emergency Duty: 68. 3% Number of firefighter fatalities associated with suspicious / arson fires: 3

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Type of Incident Wild land Structure Fire MVA Hazmat Vehicle Fire EMS Outside Fire False Alarm Not Incident Related Other Unknown 14 31 12 2 3 7 1 3 31 12 1

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Cause of Fatal Injury Caught/Trapped Fall Stress / Overexertion Exposure Collapse Struck by Vehicle Collision Lost Other 7 4 66 1 6 10 21 1 1

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Nature of Fatal Injury Asphyxiation Fall Crushed Burns CVA Trauma Drowning Heart Attack Other 8 1 7 2 2 29 2 61 3

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Age of Firefighter When the Fatal Injury Was Sustained Under 21 21 to 25 26 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to 60 61 and Over 6 4 2 13 29 31 22 Firefighter Fatalities Under Age 40 -24. 8%

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Type of Activity Search & Rescue Setup Incident Command Advance Hose Lines Standby Ventilation Responding Support Pump Ops Water Supply Scene Safety Not Incident Related Not On Scene Other EMS/Patient Care Unknown 5 1 4 14 3 1 17 2 1 2 7 23 14 4 4 15

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Time of Fatal Injury 0100 -0259 0300 -0459 0500 -0659 0700 -0859 0900 -1059 1100 -1259 1300 -1459 1500 -1659 1700 -1859 1900 -2059 2100 -2259 2300 -0059 Unknown 2 1 4 11 13 7 12 15 20 14 6 6 6

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Month of the Year January February March April May June July August September October November December 9 11 17 12 7 8 6 11 10 9 7 10

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Firefighter Fatalities by State of Fire Service Organization 1 Alaska 0. 85% 3 Alabama 2. 56% 1 Arkansas 0. 85% 1 Arizona 0. 85% 5 California 4. 27% 2 Colorado 1. 70% 1 Connecticut 0. 85% 5 Florida 4. 27% 3 Georgia 2. 56% 2 Iowa 1. 70% 2 Idaho 1. 70% 7 Illinois 5. 98% 1 Indiana 0. 85% 3 Kansas 2. 56% 8 Kentucky 6. 83% 1 Louisiana 0. 85% 2 Massachusetts 1. 70% 2 Maryland 1. 70% 1 Michigan 0. 85% 4 Missouri 3. 41% 3 Mississippi 2. 56% 1 Montana 0. 85% 3 North Carolina 2. 56% 1 North Dakota 0. 85% 2 Nebraska 1. 70% 1 New Hampshire 0. 85% 6 New Jersey 5. 12% 1 New Mexico 0. 85% 4 New York 3. 41% 3 Ohio 2. 56% 1 Oklahoma 0. 85% 1 Oregon 0. 85% 18 Pennsylvania 15. 3% 1 Rhode Island 0. 85% 4 South Carolina 3. 41% 2 Tennessee 1. 70% 4 Texas 3. 41% 1 Utah 0. 85% 2 Virginia 1. 70% 1 Washington 0. 85% 2 Wisconsin 1. 70%

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Firefighter Fatalities by State of Fatal Incident 1 Alaska 0. 85% 2 Alabama 1. 70% 2 Arkansas 1. 70% 2 Arizona 1. 70% 5 California 4. 27% 2 Colorado 1. 70% 1 Connecticut 0. 85% 7 Florida 5. 98% 3 Georgia 2. 56% 2 Iowa 1. 70% 1 Idaho 0. 85% 6 Illinois 5. 12% 1 Indiana 0. 85% 3 Kansas 2. 56% 8 Kentucky 6. 83% 1 Louisiana 0. 85% 2 Massachusetts 1. 70% 2 Maryland 1. 70% 1 Michigan 0. 85% 4 Missouri 3. 41% 2 Mississippi 1. 70% 1 Montana 0. 85% 3 North Carolina 2. 56% 1 North Dakota 0. 85% 2 Nebraska 1. 70% 1 New Hampshire 0. 85% 6 New Jersey 5. 12% 1 New Mexico 0. 85% 4 New York 3. 41% 3 Ohio 2. 56% 1 Oklahoma 0. 85% 1 Oregon 0. 85% 18 Pennsylvania 15. 3% 1 Rhode Island 0. 85% 4 South Carolina 3. 41% 2 Tennessee 1. 70% 4 Texas 3. 41% 1 Utah 0. 85% 2 Virginia 1. 70% 1 Washington 0. 85% 2 Wisconsin 1. 70%

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths

Leslie W. Gant, Jr. Winslow Township Fire Dept. Sicklerville, New Jersey 1/8/2004 Lieutenant Gant had returned to the station after working an accident scene on the Atlantic City Expressway. At the station he complained of dizziness and left to rest at home. His family later took him to the hospital where he was diagnosed as having suffered a stroke from which he passed away four days later.

Richard Allen Jones Maryland Line Fire Protective Association, Inc. Maryland Line, Maryland 1/15/2004 Firefighter Jones had responded to an MVA involving an overturned propane truck. After returning to the station, he went home to sleep. He was found deceased the next morning at home. Probable heart attack.

Derrick T. Harvey Philadelphia Fire Department Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1/15/2004 Lieutenant Harvey was seriously injured and burned when he fell through the first floor of a residential structure and was left hanging from the joists over the basement where the fire originated. Other companies initiated rescue efforts and extricated Lt. Derrick from the row house. He was transported to Albert Einstein Medical Center via PFD Medic Unit then transferred to Temple University Hospital Burn Unit where he died from injuries received. The Philadelphia Fire Department Fire Marshall has determined the cause of the fire to be combustibles too close to a fixed heater.

Raymond L. Peterman Los Angeles Fire Department California 1/17/2004 Heart attack at brush fire.

Charles ‘Charlie’ T. Hatch, Jr. West Bridgewater Fire Dept. West Bridgewater, Massachusetts 1/21/2004

Keith Alan Firment Marguerite Volunteer Fire Co. Latrobe, Pennsylvania 1/22/2004 After returning from a structure fire, Captain Firment became ill at home and was taken to the hospital where he died of an apparent heart attack.

Kevin M. Shea Elsmere Fire Department Elsmere, New York 1/24/2004 Chief Shea collapsed at the firehouse after returning from an alarm at a local nursing home and subsequently passed away of an apparent heart attack.

David Andrew Mackie Orange City Fire Department Orange City, Florida 1/27/2004 Aortic Valve Stenosis while in training.

Jean L. Nuckols Navy Regional Fire Rescue, Hampton Roads Norfolk, Virginia 1/31/2004 Firefighter Nuckols died while on-duty at the firehouse of a cause still to be determined.

Michael E. Lynch Penrose Volunteer Fire Dept. Penrose, Colorado 2/3/2004 On February 3, 2004 at 1742 hrs, the Penrose Volunteer Fire Department was working the scene of a roll-over motor vehicle crash with injuries on Highway 50 near Highway 115. While directing traffic at the scene, Firefighter Lynch was struck by an automobile. While enroute to St. Thomas Moore Hospital in Canon City, Firefighter Lynch died from the injuries he sustained.

Glenn Galderisi Pompton Falls Volunteer Fire Department No. 3 Wayne, New Jersey 2/4/2004 Firefighter Galderisi died from an apparent heart attack in Fire Company 3's firehouse after re -packing fire hose that shifted during his earlier response to false alarm.

Brenda D. Cowan Lexington Fire Department Lexington, Kentucky 2/13/2004 Lt. Cowan was hit and killed by gunfire while responding to an emergency medical assistance call.

Robert E. ’Bobby’ Heminger Wood River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Wood River, Nebraska 2/15/2004 Captains Heminger and Woitalewicz died as a result of injuries sustained while searching a burning residence for an occupant when the roof collapsed trapping them.

Ernest ‘Ernie’ Heatherman Brisben Fire Department Brisben, New York 2/16/2004 Fire Police Captain Heatherman had returned to the station following a call mutual aid fire call and complained about not feeling well and was returning home to rest. Approximately an hour later Heatherman’s wife called 911 because he was having a heart attack. Attempts by emergency medical personnel to revive Hetherman failed and he was pronounced dead at Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center a short time later.

Kenneth A. ‘Kenny’ Woitalewicz Wood River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Wood River, Nebraska 2/17/2004 Captains Woitalewicz and Heminger died as a result of injuries sustained while searching a burning residence for an occupant when the roof collapsed trapping them.

Steve W. Fierro Carthage Fire Department Carthage, Missouri 2/18/2004 Pending Autopsy

Elliott Davis, Jr. Gloster Rural Vol. Fire Dept. Gloster, Mississippi 2/22/2004 Fire Commissioner Davis was operating a 1997 GMC C-8500 town-owned fire truck headed to a grass fire. The apparatus, reportedly traveling at an estimated 50 to 55 mph, swerved to avoid oncoming traffic and left the roadway to the right, over-corrected, ran off the roadway to the left, over-corrected a second time, causing the vehicle to roll over due to weight shifting back and forth. The apparatus made three-quarters of a flip and came to rest lying on its passenger side. Davis was partially ejected and died at the scene from massive head trauma. Neither Davis nor another firefighter riding in the apparatus and sent to the hospital for observation were wearing seat belts.

Bret Eugene Neff Harford Fire Department Harford, New York 2/23/2004 Deputy Fire Chief Neff died of severe internal trauma injuries to the abdominal region that he received when while working to fill a 750 gallon portable water pond from a tanker truck, it rolled back, collapsing the nearly full water pond and pinning Neff against another apparatus. According to reports, the tanker driver said he accidentally released the emergency brake as he got out of the vehicle.

Richard ‘Rich’ L. Gabrielli George G. Mc. Murtry Vol. F. D. Vandergrift, Pennsylvania 2/23/2004 While performing fire police functions on the scene of a working fire at the Vandergrift plant of Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation, Firefighter Gabrielli collapsed and died from a cause still to be determined.

Edward P. ‘Eddie’ Conricote Liberty Township Fire Dept. Youngstown, Ohio 2/23/2004 Firefighter Conricote died from a cause still to be determined while pulling hose off of the back of the apparatus while working a residential structure fire.

Edward 'Eddie' O. Peters Florida Division of Forestry Tallahassee, Florida 3/3/2004 Forest Ranger Peters was killed on his way to conduct a controlled burn when the brush patrol truck he was operating left the roadway and overturned after hitting a culvert and coming to rest on its roof. He was wearing his seatbelt.

Mark E. Miller Laconia Fire Department Laconia, New Hampshire 3/11/2004 Firefighter Miller drowned during a training accident while testing new dive suits.

Richard A. Stefanakis Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 3/13/2004 Firefighter Stefanakis and Battalion Chief Brace were killed and many others injured when the bell tower of a church collapsed on them while they were inside extinguishing remaining hot spots.

Robert Griffin Vol. Fire Dept. of Prospect, Connecticut 3/13/2004 Probationary Firefighter Griffin died from an apparent heart attack while going through a training house, without the use of live fire, at the Wolcott State Fire School.

Mario F. Cunha Soledad Fire Department Soledad, California 3/13/2004 Firefighter Cunha was struck and killed in the roadway by a passing vehicle at the scene of an automobile fire.

Charles G. Brace Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 3/13/2004 Battalion Chief Brace and Firefighter Stefanakis were killed and many others injured when the bell tower of a church collapsed on them while they were inside extinguishing remaining hot spots.

James E. Towell National Aviation Office (NAO) Boise, Idaho 3/16/2004 Died in an aircraft crash near Safford, AZ, while training at the BLM's Single-Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) Pilot Academy.

Barrie J. Niebergall Red, White and Blue Fire Dept. Breckenridge, Colorado 3/16/2004 While on-duty, Driver Operator Niebergall went to the workout room at the fire station to exercise at 2230 hrs. At approximately 2330 hrs, his Lieutenant went to locate Niebergall and found him dead on the floor of the workout room. Driver Operator Niebergall was a 24 -year veteran of the fire service, previously serving with the Lake Dillon Fire Department.

Victor Scott Otter Creek Vol. Fire Dept. Otter Creek, Florida 3/17/2004 Died of a heart attack while transporting donated equipment back to the fire departmental in a department pick-up truck.

C. Michael ‘Mike’ Lehnen Bethalto Fire Department Bethalto, Illinois 3/21/2004 Assistant Chief Lehnen suffered a stroke at his residence. All interventions by first responders and at the hospital failed and he passed away the following day (03/21). He had worked a house fire the previous afternoon @ 1500 hrs.

Terri L. Eiland Forts Lake / Franklin Creek Volunteer Fire Department Moss Point, Mississippi 3/21/2004 Firefighter Eiland was operating a rescue truck (Ford F 350) and responding to a reported brush fire when while enroute the appartus left the roadway due to a cause still to be determined and rolled over several times. Eiland died of injuries recieved and a passenger in the vehicle was treated and released from the hospital. Both occupants were wearing their seat belts.

Robert Lee Smith West Shelby Fire & Rescue Montevallo, Alabama 3/21/2004.

Kenneth ‘Ken’ M. Temke Campbell County Fire Dist. # 5 Alexandria, Kentucky 3/25/2004 Firefighter Temke was responding to assist another engine on a vehicle fire. His engine was cancelled as they left the station, while backing into the station Firefighter Temke opened the jump seat door and collapsed, he was then transported to St. Luke East Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 0900 hours.

Rick Wilbur Eaton Rapids Township F. D. Eaton Rapids, Michigan 3/28/2004 Collapsed and died from a cause to be determined, suspected heart attack, at the scene of a working grass fire.

James Harold Pennington Unity-Frost Prairie Vol. F. D. Crossett, Arkansas 3/28/2004 Collapsed at his home and died from an apparent heart attack after returning from a grass fire where he had complained of not feeling well.

Joseph S. Northup, Sr. Jessamine County Fire District Kentucky 4/1/2004

Kevin Wayne Kulow Houston Fire Department Houston, Texas 4/4/2004 Probationary Firefighter Kulow lost his life in an early morning night club fire when he and three other firefighters from Station 50 entered the building to provide search and rescue for victims reported trapped by the flames. Inside, the fire had developed to a point that the firefighters made a quick exit of the structure but a collapse of the walls trapped Kulow as he attempted to leave killing him. As reported in the press, no other fire victims were discovered and the three firefighters who escaped were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition.

Phillip Stephen Hulen Vann Crossroads Fire Dept. Newton Grove, North Carolina 4/6/2004 While enroute to a department mandated training class, Firefighter Hulen lost control of his vehicle and crashed resulting in his death. No seat belt was in use.

Kenneth Eugene Sterling Westview - Fairforest Fire and EMS Department Moore, South Carolina 4/10/2004 Firefighter Sterling died of an apparent heart attack while operating his privately owned vehicle several hours after coming off-shift from the firehouse where he had responded to emergency calls that morning.

Leslie Keith Gillum Norton Branch Vol. Fire Dept. Kentucky 4/14/2004

Michael Fenster Capital City Fire & Rescue Juneau, Alaska 4/15/2004 Acting Fire Chief Michael Fenster succumbed to sudden cardiac arrest after attending training.

Kevin R. Mc. Intyre Rockford Fire Department Rockford, Illinois 4/18/2004 District Chief Kevin Mc. Intyre succumb to a heart attack.

Bruce Edgar Rogers Chesterfield Fire Department Chesterfield, South Carolina 4/22/2004 Collapsed and died from an apparent heart attack at the scene of a community center building fire.

Alan David Toepke USFS Midewin Interagency Hotshot Crew Wilmington, Illinois 4/24/2004 Firefighter Toepke and his fellow Midewin Interagency Hotshot Crew firefighters were returning to their home base in Illinois after a fire assignment in Florida's Apalachicola National Forest. The group stopped in Arkansas to rest for the evening. Toepke and Firefighter Hazelton, also seriously injured in the incident, were walking across the interstate when a semi-truck struck them.

Jeffrey C. Bergstrom Stone Park Fire Department Stone Park, Illinois 4/27/2004 Firefighter Bergstrom died from head injuries received in a collision at an intersection of two pieces of fire apparatus from different departments responding to a fire call.

Irwin Gross Brookline Fire Department Brookline, Massachusetts 5/3/2004 Died from injuries received after falling off of fire apparatus while responding to an incident.

Grady Roy Austin Henderson County Fire Dept. Lexington, Tennessee 5/3/2004 Fell off of the tailgate of a pickup truck (POV) during a training activity.

Joseph Edward Boles West Area Volunteer Fire Dept. Fayetteville, North Carolina 5/11/2004 Firefighter Boles was performing daily, required station and apparatus maintenance during his assigned shift when he collapsed from an apparent heart attack. He was transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Firefighter Boles had not responded to any calls within 24 hours of his death.

Harry E. Suggs, II Green Pond Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Woodstock/Green Pond, Alabama 5/13/2004 Chief Suggs died in his sleep while attending an EMS conference from a cause still to be determined.

Jeffrey W. Howell Sharon Springs Fire Dept. Sharon Springs, New York 5/13/2004 Collapsed and died of a heart attack while pulling hose off of apparatus at a working residential fire.

Randy R. Henderson USFS, USDA Bienville Ranger Dist. Forest, Mississippi 5/13/2004 Collapsed and died from a cause still to be determined, possible heart attack, while working a fire line in the initial attack of a lightning caused fire in the Osceola National Forest, Florida.

Michael Martin Ebenezer Volunteer Fire Dept. Belton, South Carolina 5/14/2004 Firefighter Martin died from injuries received when while responding to a medical call his privately owned vehicle left the roadway and struck trees.

Connie C. Bornman Middle River Vol. Ambulance Rescue Company Middle River, Maryland 5/17/2004 Firefighter/EMT Bornman became ill and died from a cause still to be determined, possible heart attack, while assisting a patient on a medical emergency call.

Lawrence J. ‘Larry’ Hoffman Oregon Department of Forestry Salem, Oregon 6/5/2004 Collapsed and died while taking a pack test from a cause still to be reported by the medical examiner.

Willie Grudzinski Bridger Volunteer Fire Dept. Bridger, Montana 6/8/2004 Died of a heart attack several hours after completing a pack test.

Wayne C. Turner BLM Arizona Strip Field Office St. George, Utah 6/17/2004 Pilot Wayne Turner, a pilot with New Frontier Aviation out of Ft. Denton, MT, and flying under contract for the BLM, died when his single-engine tanker crashed for a cause still to be determined while working the Dammeron Fire 14 miles north of St. George, Utah.

Willie J. Lacy Augusta Fire Department Augusta, Georgia 6/17/2004 Died while on duty in the station of a cause still to be determined, possible heart attack.

Joshua Martin Duson Volunteer Fire Dept. Duson, Louisiana 6/19/2004 Junior Firefighter Martin was a passenger in another firefighter's personally owned vehicle responding to an apartment fire when it hydroplaned and hit another vehicle in a head-on collision. Martin died at the scene.

Gary D. Archibeque Show Low Fire District Show Low, Arizona 6/19/2004 Died of an apparent heart attack while working as lead of a chipping crew on the department’s forest treatment program.

Thomas De Angelis Stowe Township Vol. F. D. #2 Mc. Kees Rocks, Pennsylvania 6/23/2004 After returning from a 2 a. m. call on Wednesday, June 23 rd, Captain De Angelis became ill and was taken to a hospital where he passed away. Cause of death is an apparent heart attack.

Kenneth W. Lipyance Churchill Volunteer Fire Co. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 6/30/2004 Lieutenant Lipyance went to a call to assist with extrication at the scene of a vehicle accident involving a piece of fire apparatus and was not feeling good at that call. Upon returning to the fire station, the crew came upon another vehicle accident in front of the boro building that is also the fire station. Upon completing work at this scene, Lipyance again did not feel well and was walked back to the station by the Fire Chief (approx 300 feet). Lipyance rested and said he felt better then got into his private vehicle and as he went thru the parking lot it was noticed that he was going very slowly then went directly across the roadway (4 lanes), hit the curb, and came to a rest. Lieutenant Lipyance was transported to a local hospital then lifeflighted to a trauma center in City of Pittsburgh. The cause of death was stroke and heart disease.

Gary Don Fox Bluegrove Volunteer Fire Dept. Bluegrove, Texas 7/9/2004 Chief Fox was reported to have become ill at the scene of a hay/vehicle fire and was found later in his home having died from an apparent heart attack.

Harold Dean Chappell Arlington Fire and Rescue, Inc. Jonesville, North Carolina 7/12/2004 Firefighter Chappell responded to a motor vehicle crash on 07/11/2004 at approximately 1812 hrs. After completing the call Chappell returned home and the next morning had an apparent heart attack resulting in his death.

Daniel E. Elkins Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Los Angeles, California 7/13/2004 Captain Elkins died from injuries received when his privately owned vehicle left the roadway and rolled several times as he was leaving the Pine Incident brushfire in the Lake Hughes area of Southern California.

George H. Raber Hebron Fire Protection District Hebron, North Dakota 7/31/2004 Crew Chief Raber suffered a heart attack while exiting an engine at the fire near Hebron, North Dakota. After CPR at the scene, he was pronounced dead at Richardton Health Center

Edward ‘Ed’ H. Stallings Carthage Volunteer Fire Dept. Carthage, Tennessee 8/1/2004 Chief Stallings died from injuries sustained while directing fire suppression operations at a church fire in April. The roof of the structure had collapsed causing the front wall to fail and fall out onto the sidewalk injuring the Chief and two of his firefighters who had just exited the building.

Thomas ‘Tom’ Conway Haddon Heights Fire Dept. Haddon Heights, New Jersey 8/3/2004 Captain Conway suffered chest pain while directing traffic at a fire department call for service. He was transported to a local hospital where his condition deteriorated and he passed away peacefully on August 3, 2004.

Lester Philips Sunshine Volunteer Fire Dept. Harlan, Kentucky 8/4/2004 Chief Philips died in the hospital several days after suffering an apparent heart attack at the scene of a house fire.

Michael ‘Mike’ Mc. Adams Sapello-Rociada Vol. Fire Co. Sapello, New Mexico 8/4/2004 Firefighter Mc. Adams died at home from a cause to be determined several hours after responding with his fire company to the scene of a vehicle accident.

Michael J. Bliss Speedway Safety Services Claremont, New Hampshire 8/6/2004 A second practice session on the Twin State Speedway had just started when a large piece of debris, either a wheel or axle bearing, was spotted on the track. Rescue Crew Member Bliss was asked to go out onto the track to retrieve the debris where he was struck and killed by one of the race cars.

Barbara L. Bordenkircher Wickliffe Rural Fire Department Wickliffe, Kentucky 8/10/2004 Firefighter Bordenkircher was operating a piece of fire apparatus in response to a reported grass fire when for a cause still to be determined the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree, killing Bordenkircher and seriously injuring another firefighter, William Stanton, who was riding in the vehicle.

Mike Ward Okanagan and Wenatchee National Forests Wenatchee, Washington 8/11/2004 Pilot Ward, was killed when the helicopter he was piloting crashed while ferrying firefighting equipment to a small lightningcaused fire located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area on the Leavenworth Ranger District.

Jaime L. Foster Los Angeles Fire Department Los Angeles, California 8/14/2004 Following extinguishment and as crews were leaving a residential fire, there was a single vehicle accident near the scene which caused traumatic injury to Firefighter Foster. Despite the combined efforts of Firefighters, Paramedics and Hospital Emergency Department personnel, she was declared deceased at a nearby hospital. A detailed investigation into the exact circumstances of the incident is being conducted.

Robert M. Weber, Jr. MCAS Beaufort, USMC Headquarters Beaufort, South Carolina 8/16/2004 Collapsed of an unknown cause while on standby duty.

John D. Taylor Philadelphia Fire Department Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 8/20/2004 Captain Taylor and Firefighter Rubio were killed when they became trapped in the basement of a home, where they were fighting a one alarm fire.

Rey Rubio Philadelphia Fire Department Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 8/20/2004 Captain Taylor and Firefighter Rubio were killed when they became trapped in the basement of a home, where they were fighting a one alarm fire.

Benjamin Matthew Lang Polk County Fire Department / Cypress Gardens Bartow, Florida 8/23/2004 Firefighter/EMT Lang was killed while assisting with the transport of a patient to the hospital. The ambulance left the road and struck a tree. Firefighter Lang died instantly.

Robert E. Woolf Phillipsburg Fire Department Phillipsburg, Ohio 8/25/2004 Firefighter Woolf received fatal injuries while on duty, working at the annual Fire Department Fund Raising event. Firefighter Woolf was sitting on the tailgate of a pickup truck when the support straps broke causing him to fall to the ground and strike his head on the pavement.

David Edward Vinisky Raccoon Township Independent Vol. Fire Dept. 1 Aliquippa, Pennsylvania 8/25/2004 Firefighter Vinisky died of injuries he received when he was struck by a fire engine at the fire department.

Cordell W. French Towanda Fire Department Towanda, Kansas 8/28/2004 Firefighter Cordell died of an apparent heart attack after returning from a fire department drill.

James D. D'Heron New Brunswick Fire Dept. New Brunswick, New Jersey 9/3/2004 Deputy Chief D'Heron was the first to respond to a reported fire in a two family dwelling. Upon his arrival, he entered the structure and alerted the residents to the fire. After the approximately 15 occupants evacuated and while Chief D'Heron was still inside the structure, there was some type of explosion or similar event that caused an extremely rapid deterioration of conditions that trapped the Chief and resulted in his death.

Gerald K. ‘Mac’ Mc. Gowan Kansas City Fire Department Kansas City, Missouri 9/5/2004 Acting Captain Mc. Gowan died from injuries sustained when the pumper apparatus he was riding in, enroute to a reported apartment building fire, collided with two vehicles and crashed into a tree.

Steven M. Rosenfeld Salem Volunteer Fire Dept. Culpeper, Virginia 9/9/2004 Collapsed on Scene of motor vehicle crash.

Richard O'Brien Warren Fire Department Warren, Rhode Island 9/10/2004 Firefighter O'Brien had responded to a residential kitchen fire, opened a few windows to let heavy smoke out of the kitchen, then collapsed and died from a cause still to be determined.

Eva M. Schicke California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Sacramento, California 9/12/2004 Firefighter Schicke was part of a seven-person helicopter crew that was dropped into the forest to fight a blaze in the Tuolumne Fire River Canyon from the ground. They were apparently overrun by flames while participating in the initial attack on the fire.

Kevin L. Slain Dixon Rural Fire Prot. District Dixon, Illinois 9/16/2004

Clinton ‘Clint’ L. Romine Good Springs Vol. Fire Dept. Anderson, Alabama 9/17/2004 Firefighter Romine was assisting with tree removal from roads following Hurricane Ivan. Romine was in transit in his POV picking up more equipment when a tree fell on the vehicle killing him.

William Jim Lightbody Paramus Vol. Rescue Squad Paramus, New Jersey 9/18/2004 Rescue Member Lightbody succumbed to a heart attack while returning from a motor vehicle entrapment call on the Garden State Parkway.

John A. Brenckle Berkeley Hills Fire Company Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 9/23/2004 Fire Police Captain Brenckle’s leg became infected via an open wound after coming into contact with floodwaters while he was working a two day flood event. Brenckle died several days later after being admitted to the hospital.

William Weborg Ephraim Fire Department Ephraim, Wisconsin 9/26/2004 Assistant Chief Weborg was paged to respond to a reported boat fire and had arrived at the fire station where he collapsed and died from a cause still to be determined.

Daniel P. Holmes National Park Service, Sequoia & Kings Canyon Natl Parks Three Rivers, California 10/2/2004 Firefighter Holmes died from injuries received after the top of a 100 -foot white fir tree unexpectedly fell and struck him in an area where his firefighting crew, the Arrowhead Hotshots, had intentionally set a fire in Kings Canyon National Park.

Michael ‘Mike’ J. Kilpatrick North Lake Fire Department North Lake, Wisconsin 10/7/2004 Assistant Fire Chief Kilpatrick collapsed and died from a cause still to be determined while he was on stand-by at neighboring Stone Bank Fire Department which was out of the station working a five-alarm fire at an unfinished condominium development.

Frederick A. Smith, II Salem Center Vol. Fire Dept. Pleasant Lake, Indiana 10/10/2004 Fell from a horse and died from head trauma received during a cancer ride for life event where he was acting as a medical first responder.

Steven C. Brack Allentown Volunteer Fire Dept. Allentown, Georgia 10/11/2004 Firefighter Brack was responding to a vehicle accident in his privately owned vehicle when it hydroplaned on the wet surface and crashed off the roadway killing him.

Jordan Nonnemaker Amity Fire Company Douglassville, Pennsylvania 10/15/2004 Jordan Nonnemaker and a junior firefighter were running an errand for the department in a vehicle operated by the junior firefighter. The junior firefighter lost control of the vehicle and was struck on the passenger side of the vehicle. Nonnemaker died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

William ‘Bill’ Edward Bierbower Fairmont Hahntown Vol. F. D. Huntingdon, Pennsylvania 10/15/2004 Firefighter Bierbower died after returning to the station from a mutual aid fire call and while consulting with the individual making the fire incident report, he collapsed and died. The Westmoreland County Coroner has listed the cause of death as Hypertension and ASCVD while responding to an emergency fire call.

Gary A. Titlon Katy Fire Department Katy, Texas 10/20/2004 Chief Titlon died of an apparent heart attack in his home shortly after responding to a motor vehicle accident.

Mark Parrish Normandy Fire Protection Dist. Saint Louis County, Missouri 10/20/2004 Deputy Chief Parrish died after suffering a cardiac arrest at a firehouse meeting. Wake/Viewing: Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p. m. to 9 p. m. on Friday, October 22 nd.

Robert D. Heighton South Walton Fire District Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 10/20/2004 Firefighter/Paramedic Heighton was part of an air medical crew responding to an emergency medical call. The mission was aborted due to inclement weather. While returning to base, the helicopter crashed killing him along with the pilot and flight nurse.

Lewis R. Mc. Nally Newmanstown Vol. Fire Dept. Newmanstown, Pennsylvania 11/1/2004 Assistant Fire Chief Mc. Nally suffered an apparent heart attack returning to the station after responding to a motor vehicle accident call.

Donald Nathan Carlson Ute Fire Department Ute, Iowa 11/2/2004 Firefighter Carlson suffered an apparent heart attack while responding to a motor vehicle accident call.

Charles ‘Charlie’ C. Webb Mayking Volunteer Fire Dept. Mayking, Kentucky 11/6/2004 Lt. Webb suffered and died from an apparent heart attack while responding to a forest fire new Mayking, Kentucky.

Edward G. Schnauss Morrison Volunteer Fire Dept. Morrison, Missouri 11/13/2004 Captain Schnauss died from an apparent heart attack when he was found at the fire station underneath apparatus on which he was working unconscious and not breathing.

H. Donald Kersting Wichita Fire Department Wichita, Kansas 11/15/2004 Cause of Death: Undetermined (pending autopsy)

Patrick Jared Cramer Chicago Fire Department Chicago, Illinois 11/17/2004

Jackson "Jack" H. Gerhart Chambersburg Fire Department Chambersburg, Pennsylvania 12/5/2004 Firefighter Gerhart succumbed to injuries that had occurred on November 30 th, 2004 while operating at a structural fire. Preliminary reports are that he fell while stretching a supply line and suffered a severe head injury.

James Larry Rogers Claxton Volunteer Fire Dept. Claxton, Georgia 12/13/2004 Chief Rogers was returning to the station after a structure fire when for unknown reasons the rescue apparatus he was operating left the roadway. Soon thereafter and while at the accident scene, Rogers collapsed and died from a cause still to be determined.

Michael R. Dunlap Hydetown Volunteer Fire Dept. Hydetown, Pennsylvania 12/14/2004 Firefighter Dunlap collapsed at home after responding to numerous fire calls.

William J. Briggs INEEL Fire Department Idaho Falls, Idaho 12/14/2004 Captain Briggs died of a heart attack while exercising on 12/14/2004. While on-duty the day before, Captain Briggs complained of physical discomfort he thought to be GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) after participating in strenuous physical activity: training for the Combat Challenge and the department's physical performance test. He had also answered at least one alarm and an emergency medical / patient care training activity.

Herbert C. Caldwell, III Newberry Township Fire Dept. Etters, Pennsylvania 12/17/2004 Firefighter Caldwell was responding to a fire call when upon arriving at the fire station he became ill and was taken to the hospital were he died from an apparent heart attack.

Nito R. Guajardo Baytown Fire - Rescue Baytown, Texas 12/20/2004 Firefighter Guajardo was part of a search and rescue crew at a working residential fire. Conditions deteriorated inside the house and the crew evacuated. Once outside, Guajardo was discovered missing. After the fire was controlled, he was found in the foyer by firefighters. Despite life saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Theodore A. Myhre, Sr. Bishop Hill Fire Department Bishop Hill, Illinois 12/21/2004 Firefighter Myhre was helping a fire truck back up at the scene of a motor vehicle accident when he was struck and killed by a pickup truck on a rural Knox County road.

Jason Todd Rowe Elkhorn City Fire Department Elkhorn City, Kentucky 12/23/2004 Chief Rowe was killed during a training exercise to place snow chains on a fire truck. A wedge to prevent the tires from rolling and to lift the truck loosened and was propelled toward Rowe striking him in the head.

John J. Stoudt Diligence Fire Company #1 Summit Hill, Pennsylvania 12/25/2004 Firefighter Stoudt, while responding to a mutual aid call, was attempting to climb into the driver's seat of a ladder truck when for an unknown reason he fell from the truck. He was transported to a hospital where he passed away.

Jared Michael Moore Fairmount Township Fire Dept. Basehor, Kansas 12/29/2004 Firefighter Moore was responding to the scene of a one-car motor vehicle accident when his POV was struck in the rear by a patrol car operated by a Sheriff’s Deputy responding to the same call. Moore was not wearing a seat belt and was fatally injured. There was dense fog at the time of the incident which may have played a role in the incident.

Joseph ‘Joe’ S. Pepe, III Springfield Fire Department Springfield, New Jersey 2004

Donald E. Ward Columbus Division of Fire Columbus, Ohio 2004

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths

2004 Line Of Duty Deaths Sources United States Fire Administration 16825 S. Seton Ave. Emmitsburg, MD 21727 National Fallen Firefighters Foundation PO Drawer 498 Emmitsburg MD 21727 Prepared by: Joe M. Combs II June 2005