U.S. Fire Administration

Firefighter Fatalities

in the United States 

in 2009

July 2010
U.S. Fire Administration

Mission Statement

We provide National leadership to foster a solid foundation 

for local fire and emergency services for prevention, 

preparedness and response.
Firefighter Fatalities in 

the United States in 2009

Prepared by 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security 

Federal Emergency Management Agency 

U.S. Fire Administration

National Fire Data Center 

and

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 

www.firehero.org

In memory of all firefighters

who answered their last call in 2009

To their families and friends

To their service and sacrifice
iii

Table of ConTenTs

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Who is a Firefighter? .....................................................................2

What Constitutes an Onduty Fatality?.........................................................2

Sources of Initial Notification...............................................................3

Procedure for Including a Fatality in the Study ..................................................3

2009 Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Career, Volunteer, and Wildland Agency Deaths..................................................6

Gender................................................................................6

Multiple Firefighter Fatality Incidents.........................................................6

Wildland Firefighting Deaths ...............................................................7

Type of Duty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Fireground Operations...................................................................10

Type of Fireground Activity ...............................................................10

Fixed Property Use for Structural Firefighting Deaths............................................11

Responding/Returning ..................................................................11

Training ..............................................................................12

Nonfire Emergencies ....................................................................12

After the Incident.......................................................................12

Cause of Fatal Injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Stress or Overexertion ...................................................................13

Vehicle Crashes ........................................................................14

Lost or Disoriented .....................................................................15

Caught or Trapped ......................................................................15

Collapse ..............................................................................15

Struck by Object .......................................................................15

Fall..................................................................................15

Contact With ..........................................................................15

Other................................................................................15

Nature of Fatal Injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Firefighter Ages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Deaths by Time of Injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Firefighter Fatality Incidents by Month of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

State and Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Analysis of Urban/Rural/Suburban Patterns in Firefighter Fatalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
1

This study of firefighter fatalities would not have been 

possible without the cooperation and assistance of 

many members of the fire service across the United 

States. Members of individual fire departments, chief 

fire officers, wildland fire service organizations such as 

the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the National Park Service (NPS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 

the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service (FWS), as well as the U.S. Department 

of Justice (DOJ), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and many others contributed important 

information for this report. 

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) 

was responsible for compilation of a large portion of 

the data used in this report and the incident narrative 

summaries found in the Appendix.

The ultimate objective of this effort is to reduce the 

number of firefighter deaths through an increased 

awareness and understanding of their causes and how 

they can be prevented. Firefighting, rescue, and other 

types of emergency operations are essential activities 

in an inherently dangerous profession, and unfortunate tragedies do occur. This is the risk all firefighters accept every time they respond to an emergency 

incident. However, the risk can be greatly reduced 

through efforts to improve training, emergency scene 

operations, and firefighter health and safety initiatives. 

For 33 years, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has 

tracked the number of firefighter fatalities and conducted an annual analysis. Through the collection of 

information on the causes of firefighter deaths, the 

USFA is able to focus on specific problems and direct 

efforts toward finding solutions to reduce the number 

of firefighter fatalities in the future. This information 

is also used to measure the effectiveness of current 

programs directed toward firefighter health and safety.

Several programs have been funded by USFA in response to this annual report. For example, USFA has 

sponsored significant work in the areas of general 

emergency vehicle operations safety, fire department 

tanker/tender operations safety, firefighter incident 

scene rehabilitation, and roadside incident safety. The 

data developed for this report are also widely used in 

other firefighter fatality prevention efforts.

One of USFA’s main program goals is a 25-percent 

reduction in firefighter fatalities in five years and a 

50-percent reduction within 10 years. The emphasis 

placed on these goals by USFA is underscored by the 

fact that these goals represent one of the five major 

objectives that guide the actions of USFA.

In addition to the analysis, USFA, working in partnership with the NFFF, develops a list of all onduty firefighter fatalities and associated documentation each 

year. If certain criteria are met, the fallen firefighter’s 

next of kin, as well as members of the individual’s fire 

department, are invited to the annual National Fallen 

Firefighters Memorial Weekend Service. The service 

is held at the National Emergency Training Center 

(NETC) in Emmitsburg, MD, during Fire Prevention 

Week in October of each year. Additional information 

regarding the Memorial Service can be found at www.

firehero.org or by calling the NFFF at (301) 447-1365. 

Other resources and information regarding firefighter 

fatalities, including current fatality notices, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial database, and links to 

the Public Safety Officers’ Benefit (PSOB) Program can 

be found at www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
2

 InTRoDUCTIon

This report continues a series of annual studies by 

USFA of onduty firefighter fatalities in the United 

States.

The specific objective of this study is to identify all 

onduty firefighter fatalities that occurred in the United States and its protectorates in 2009 and to analyze 

the circumstances surrounding each occurrence. The 

study is intended to help identify approaches that 

could reduce the number of firefighter deaths in future years.

Who is a Firefighter?

For the purpose of this study, the term firefighter covers all members of organized fire departments with assigned fire suppression duties in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Territories of Puerto Rico, 

the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. 

It includes career and volunteer firefighters; full-time 

public safety officers acting as firefighters; fire police; 

State, territory, and Federal government fire service 

personnel, including wildland firefighters; and privately employed firefighters, including employees of 

contract fire departments and trained members of industrial fire brigades, whether full or part time. It also 

includes contract personnel working as firefighters or 

assigned to work in direct support of fire service organizations (i.e., air-tanker crews).

Under this definition, the study includes not only local 

and municipal firefighters, but also seasonal and fulltime employees of the USFS, NPS, BLM, BIA, FWS, and 

State wildland agencies. The definition also includes 

prison inmates serving on firefighting crews; firefighters employed by other governmental agencies, such as 

the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE); military personnel performing assigned fire suppression activities; 

and civilian firefighters working at military installations.

What Constitutes an Onduty Fatality?

Onduty fatalities include any injury or illness sustained 

while on duty that proves fatal. The term “onduty” 

refers to being involved in operations at the scene of 

an emergency, whether it is a fire or nonfire incident; 

responding to or returning from an incident; performing other officially assigned duties such as training, 

maintenance, public education, inspection, investigations, court testimony, and fundraising; and being oncall, under orders, or on standby duty except at the 

individual’s home or place of business. An individual 

who experiences a heart attack or other fatal injury 

at home while he or she prepares to respond to an 

emergency is considered on duty when the response 

begins. A firefighter that becomes ill while performing fire department duties and suffers a heart attack 

shortly after arriving home or at another location may 

be considered on duty since the inception of the heart 

attack occurred while the firefighter was on duty.

On December 15, 2003, the President of the United 

States signed into law the Hometown Heroes Survivors 

Benefit Act of 2003. After being signed by the President, the Act became Public Law 108-182. The law 

presumes that a heart attack or stroke are in the line 

of duty if the firefighter was engaged in nonroutine 

stressful or strenuous physical activity while on duty 

and the firefighter becomes ill while on duty or within 

24 hours after engaging in such activity. The full text 

of the law is available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.

gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_public_

laws&docid=f:publ182.108.pdf

The inclusion criteria for this study have been affected by this change in the law. Previous to December 

15, 2003, firefighters who became ill as the result of 

a heart attack or stroke after going off duty needed to 

register a complaint of not feeling well while still on 

duty in order to be included in this study. For firefighter fatalities after December 15, 2003, firefighters 

will be included in this report if they became ill as the 

result of a heart attack or stroke within 24 hours of a 

training activity or emergency response. Firefighters 

who became ill after going off duty where the activities while on duty were limited to tasks that did not 

involve physical or mental stress will not be included.
3

A fatality may be caused directly by an accidental or 

intentional injury in either emergency or nonemergency circumstances, or it may be attributed to an occupationally related fatal illness. A common example 

of a fatal illness incurred on duty is a heart attack. Fatalities attributed to occupational illnesses also include 

a communicable disease contracted while on duty that 

proved fatal when the disease could be attributed to a 

documented occupational exposure. 

Firefighter fatalities are included in this report even 

when death is considerably delayed after the original 

incident. When the incident and the death occur in 

different years, the analysis counts the fatality as having occurred in the year in which the incident took 

place. 

There is no established mechanism for identifying 

fatalities that result from illnesses such as cancer that 

develop over long periods of time and which may be 

related to occupational exposure to hazardous materials or toxic products of combustion. It has proved to 

be very difficult to provide a complete evaluation of 

an occupational illness as a causal factor in firefighter 

deaths due to the following limitations: the exposure of firefighters to toxic hazards is not sufficiently 

tracked; the often delayed long-term effects of such 

toxic hazard exposures; and the exposures firefighters 

may receive while off duty. 

Sources of Initial Notification

As an integral part of its ongoing program to collect 

and analyze fire data, the USFA solicits information on 

firefighter fatalities directly from the fire service and 

from a wide range of other sources. These sources include the PSOB Program administered by the DOJ, the 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Department of Defense (DOD), 

the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), and other 

Federal agencies. 

The USFA receives notification of some deaths directly 

from fire departments, as well as from such fire service 

organizations as the International Association of Fire 

Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Fire 

Fighters (IAFF), the NFPA, the National Volunteer Fire 

Council (NVFC), State fire marshals, State fire training 

organizations, other State and local organizations, fire 

service Internet sites, news services, and fire service 

publications. 

Procedure for Including a Fatality 

in the Study

In most cases, after notification of a fatal incident, initial telephone contact is made with local authorities 

by the USFA to verify the incident, its location, jurisdiction, and the fire department or agency involved. 

Further information about the deceased firefighter and 

the incident may be obtained from the chief of the fire 

department or designee over the phone or by other 

forms of data collection. After basic information is 

collected, a notice of the firefighter fatality is posted at 

the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial site in Emmitsburg, MD, the USFA website, and a notice of the 

fatality is transmitted by electronic mail to a large list 

of fire service organizations and fire service members.

Information that is requested routinely from fire departments that have experienced a fatality includes 

NFIRS-1 (incident) and NFIRS-3 (fire service casualty) reports; the fire department’s own incident and 

internal investigation reports; copies of death certificates and autopsy results; special investigative reports; 

law enforcement reports; photographs and diagrams; 

and newspaper or media accounts of the incident. Information on the incident may also be gathered from 

NFPA or NIOSH reports.

After obtaining this information, a determination 

is made as to whether the death qualifies as an onduty firefighter fatality according to the previously 

described criteria. With the exception of firefighter 

deaths after December 15, 2003, the same criteria 

were used for this study as in previous annual studies. 

Additional information may be requested by USFA, either through follow-up with the fire department directly, from State vital records offices, or other agencies. The final determination as to whether a fatality 

qualifies as an onduty death for inclusion in this statistical analysis is made by the USFA. The final determination as to whether a fatality qualifies as a line-of-duty death (LODD) for inclusion in the annual National 

Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is made by NFFF.
4

Ninety (90) firefighters died while on duty in 2009, 

a substantial reduction in the number of firefighter fatalities over many previous years. This total includes 

13 firefighters who died under circumstances as a result of inclusion criteria changes resulting from the 

Hometown Heroes Act of 2003. When not including 

these fatalities in a trend analysis, the 2009 total 77 

firefighter fatalities equals the lowest number of firefighter losses on record (77 onduty firefighter deaths 

occurring in 1992) over the past 33 years.

An analysis of multiyear firefighter fatality trends 

needs to acknowledge the changes from the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefit Act of 2003; therefore, 

some graphs and charts either will or will not indicate 

the Hometown Heroes portion of the total. However, 

this does not diminish the sacrifices made by any firefighter who dies while on duty or the sacrifices made 

by his/her family and peers.

Moreover, when conducting multiyear comparisons of 

firefighter fatalities in this report, the losses that were 

the result of the attacks on the World Trade Center 

(WTC) in New York City on September 11, 2001, are 

sometimes also set apart for illustrative purposes. This 

action is by no means a minimization of the supreme 

sacrifice made by these firefighters.

2009 fInDInGs
5

Figure 1 . Onduty Firefighter Fatalities (1977-2009)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

157 1977

19781979

1980

1981

19821983

1984

19851986

1987

198819891990

1991

19921993199419951996

1997

199819992000

2001

20022003

2004

20052006

2007

20082009

171

126

140

135

126

113

119

126

121

131

136

119

108108

77

81

106

103

99

100

93

114

105

450

101

112

108

99

92

105

107

plus 1 Hometown Heroplus 11 Hometown Heroesplus 16 Hometown Heroesplus 15 Hometown Heroesplus 13 Hometown Heroesplus 11 Hometown Heroesplus 13 Hometown Heroes 77

Year

Number of Deaths

Figure 2 . Firefighter Fatalities per 100,000 Fires

1996

1997

199819992000

2001

20022003

2004

20052006

2007

2008

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

2.73

3.34

2.96

4.50

3.34

3.29

3.73

3.79

3.42

2.81

2.98

3.53

3.86 

Year

Number of Deaths
6

Career, Volunteer, and Wildland Agency Deaths

In 2009, firefighter fatalities included 47 volunteer firefighters, 36 career firefighters, and 7 part-time or full-time 

members of wildland or wildland contract fire agencies (Figure 3).

Figure 3 . Career, Volunteer, and Wildland Agency Deaths (2009)

Firefighter Fatalities

90 Total Deaths

Volunteer

47 Deaths

Wildland Agency

7 Deaths

Career

36 Deaths

Full-time

3 Deaths

Part-time or 

Seasonal

4 Deaths

Rural Fire 

Departments

31 Deaths

Urban/Suburban 

Fire Departments

16 Deaths

Rural Fire 

Departments

1 Death

Urban/Suburban 

Fire Departments

35 Deaths

Gender

One of the firefighters who died in 2009 was female

and 89 were male. 

Multiple Firefighter Fatality Incidents

The 90 deaths in 2009 resulted from a total of 82 fatal incidents. There were 6 firefighter fatality incidents 

where 2 or more firefighters were killed in 2009, 

claiming a total of 13 firefighters.

Table 1 . Multiple Firefighter Fatality Incidents

Year Number of Incidents Total Number of Deaths

2009 6 13

2008 5 18

2007 7 21

2006 6 17

2005 4 10

2004 3 6

2003 7 20

2002 9 25

2001 8 362

2001 w/o WTC 7 18

2000 5 10

1999 6 22

1998 10 22
7

Wildland Firefighting Deaths

In 2009, 16 firefighters were killed during activities involving brush, grass, or wildland firefighting. This total 

includes part-time and seasonal wildland firefighters, full-time wildland firefighters, and municipal or volunteer 

firefighters whose deaths are related to a wildland fire (Figure 4).

 Figure 4 . Firefighter Fatalities Related to Wildland Firefighting (1997-2009)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

20022003

2004

2005

2006

2007

20082009

12

14

26

17

15

23

29

21

19

22

11

26

16

Year

Number of Deaths

Table 2 . Wildland Firefighting Aircraft Deaths

Year Total Number of Deaths Number of Fatal Incidents

2009 5 2

2008 16 4

2007 1 1

2006 8 3

2005 6 2

2004 3 3

2003 7 4

2002 6 3

2001 6 3

2000 6 5

1999 0 0

1998 3 2

40
8

In 2009, there were two multiple firefighter fatality incidents related to wildland firefighting that killed five firefighters. 

Table 3 . Firefighter Deaths Associated with Wildland Firefighting

Number of 

Year Total Number 

of Deaths

Number of Fatal 

Incidents

Firefighters Killed in 

Multiple-Death 

 Incidents

2009 16 13 5

2008 26 15 14

2007 11 11 0

2006 22 13 13

2005 19 15 6

2004 21 21 0

2003 30 22 10

2002 23 14 13

2001 15 9 9

2000 19 16 6

1999 27 26 2

1998 14 13 2

TYPe of DUTY

Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in 

the deaths of 57 firefighters in 2009 (Figure 5). This 

includes all firefighters who died responding to an 

emergency or at an emergency scene, returning from 

an emergency incident, and during other emergencyrelated activities. Nonemergency activities accounted 

for 33 fatalities. Nonemergency duties include training, administrative activities, performing other functions that are not related to an emergency incident, 

and postincident fatalities where the firefighter does 

not experience the illness or injury during the emergency.

Figure 5 . Firefighter Deaths by Type of Duty (2009)

Emergency

63.3%

(57)

Nonemergency

36.6%

(33)
9

A multiyear historical perspective relating to the percentage of firefighter deaths that occurred during

emergency duty is presented in Table 4. The percentage of all deaths for 2004 and the years after are lower 

for each year due to the inclusion of firefighters covered by the changes resulting from the Hometown 

Heroes Act of December 2003. As such, a second column has been added to Table 4 for purposes of a longer-term trend analysis. 

In 2009, 49 firefighters died while responding to or 

working on the scene of an emergency. This number 

includes deaths resulting from injuries sustained on 

the incident scene or en route to the incident scene 

and firefighters who became ill on an incident scene 

and later died. It does not include firefighters who became ill or 

died after or while returning from an incident, e.g., a vehicle collision.

Figure 6 shows the number of firefighters killed while 

responding to or working on the scene of an emergency in 2009. 

Thirty-nine firefighters were killed during firefighting 

duties; 3 firefighters were killed on emergency medical services (EMS) calls; 5 on motor vehicle accidents; 

1 firefighter was killed in association with a weather 

incident; and 1 was killed during other emergency circumstances.

Figure 6 . Type of Emergency Duty 

Table 4 . Emergency Duty Firefighter Deaths

Year

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2001 with WTC

2000

1999

1998

Percentage of All Deaths

63.3

63.5

64.4

57.5

52.1

68.9

69

73

65

92

71

87

77

Percentage of All Deaths 

Without Hometown Heroes

82.2

70

72.4

66.3

60.6

75.9

69.6

73

65

92

71

87

77

Other

2% (1)

Weather/Disaster

2% (1)

Motor Vehicle Accidents

10.2% (5)

Emergency Medical Services

6.1% (3)

Firefighting

79.6% (39)

Percentages may not equal 100 due to rounding.
10

The number of deaths by type of duty being performed in 2009 is shown in Table 5 and presented graphically in 

Figure 7. 

Table 5 . Firefighter Deaths by Type of Duty (2009)

Type of Duty Number of Deaths

Fireground Operations 30

Responding/Returning 15

Other Onduty Deaths 12

Training 10

Nonfire Emergencies 9

After an Incident 14

Total 90

Figure 7 . Firefighter Deaths by Type of Duty (2009)

0 10 20 30 40

After an Incident

Nonfire Emergencies

Training

Other Onduty Deaths

Responding or Returning

Fireground Operations 30

15

12

10

9

14

Number of Deaths

Fireground Operations

Of the 30 firefighters killed during fireground operations in 2009, 19 firefighters died while on the 

scene of a structure fire, 9 firefighters died while en 

route or at the scene of a wildland or outside fire, and 

1 firefighter at the scene of a vehicle fire. One other 

firefighter fell ill while at the scene of an alarm in an 

apartment building and later died from a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) after being transported to the 

hospital. 

Type of Fireground Activity

Table 6 shows the types of fireground activities in 

which firefighters were engaged at the time they sustained their fatal injuries or illnesses. This total includes all firefighting duties, such as wildland firefighting and structural firefighting.
11

Table 6 . Type of Activity (2009)

Water Supply 2

Pump Ops 4

Search & Rescue 4

Advance Hoselines 12

Support 2

Other 1

Unknown 4

Scene Safety 1

Fixed Property Use for Structural 

Firefighting Deaths

There were 19 fatalities in 2009 where firefighters became ill or injured while on the scene of a structure 

fire. Table 7 shows the distribution of these deaths by 

fixed property use. As in most years, residential occupancies accounted for the highest number of these 

fireground fatalities in 2009. 

Table 7 . Structural Firefighting Deaths by 

Fixed Property Use in 2009

Residential 13

Commercial 6 

Responding/Returning 

Fifteen firefighters died while responding to or returning from 13 emergency incidents in 2009; 11 

while responding and 4 while returning. This compares to 24 responding/returning firefighter fatalities 

in 2008. Two of the responding firefighter deaths did 

not involve motor vehicles. One of the incidents, an air 

tanker crash, took the lives of three firefighters. 

The types of fire department apparatus involved in vehicle collisions killing six firefighters included one engine, one tanker (tender), one ladder, one ambulance, 

one brush truck, and one staff/support vehicle. Four 

of the vehicle collisions occurred while responding 

and two while returning. 

The status of seatbelt use in fire apparatus collisions 

was reported in all but one instance where the firefighter/passenger of an ambulance was ejected from 

the vehicle (likely not to have been wearing a seatbelt) and killed when responding to an incident. In 

four of the remaining five fire apparatus collisions, 

no seatbelt was being worn by the firefighter killed, 

two drivers and two passengers respectively, and two 

of these were ejected completely from their apparatus 

(one driver and one passenger). Only one firefighter, 

who responded from his residence in a fire department pickup truck, was reported to have been wearing his seatbelt when another vehicle at an intersection pulled into his path causing his truck to leave the 

narrow road and strike a tree. The firefighter was not 

ejected from the vehicle, but passed away at the scene 

from multiple traumatic injuries.

Speed was not reported to have been a factor in any of 

the six responding/returning fire apparatus collisions, 

but four occurred at an intersection (two of these at 

night).

One firefighter died while returning from an incident 

as the sole occupant and operator of an engine. While 

driving, he experienced a heart attack causing the apparatus to leave the roadway and travel across a field 

coming to a stop against a camper.

Three firefighters were killed while responding to or 

returning from emergency incidents in their privately-owned vehicles (POVs). Two of these deaths were 

caused by heart attacks, one while responding, where 

the firefighter pulled to the side of the road, and the 

other while returning from an incident, where the 

firefighter’s POV left the roadway and crashed. The 

third firefighter lost control of his POV, crossed the 

center line, left the roadway, and struck a tree. The 

18-year old firefighter was killed as a result of massive head trauma sustained during the crash. He was 

not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was 

reported to have been fully ejected from his vehicle. 

Speed and wet road conditions were cited as factors 

in the crash, which occurred late at night on a curved 

section of roadway.
12

Table 8 . Firefighter Deaths While Responding to or Returning from an Incident

Year Number of Firefighter Deaths

2009 15

2008 24

2007 26

2006 15

2005 22

2004 23

2003 36

2002 13

2001 23

2000 19

1999 26

1998 14

Training

In 2009, 10 firefighters died while engaged in training activities. Three of the deaths were due to heart attacks, two 

from CVA/strokes, one from heat exhaustion, three from falls, and one from being struck by an object.

Table 9 . Firefighter Fatalities While Engaged in Training

Year Number of Firefighter Deaths

2009 10

2008 12

2007 11

2006 9

2005 14

2004 13

2003 12

2002 11

2001 14

2000 13

1999 3

1998 12

Nonfire Emergencies

In 2009, there were nine firefighter fatalities where 

the type of emergency duty was not related to a fire. 

Four were from motor vehicle accidents, four from 

EMS incidents, and one fatality was related to an inclement weather incident.

After the Incident

In 2009, 14 firefighters died after the conclusion of 

their onduty activity. Six deaths were due to heart attacks, five were due to CVA/strokes, and three were 

due to other causes (one aortic separation, one from 

asthma, and one unknown). 
13

CaUse of faTal InJURY

The term “cause of injury” refers to the action, lack of 

action, or circumstances that resulted directly in the 

fatal injury. The term “nature of injury” refers to the 

medical cause of the fatal injury or illness which is often referred to as the physiological cause of death. A 

fatal injury usually is the result of a chain of events, the 

first of which is recorded as the cause.

Figure 8 shows the distribution of deaths by cause of 

fatal injury or illness in 2009.

Figure 8 . Fatalities by Cause of Fatal Injury (2009)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Collapse

Caught/Trapped

Lost

Stress/Overexertion

Struck by

Other

Fall

Contact with

Vehicle Collision 16 (17.8%)

1 (1.1%)

6 (6.7%)

7 (7.8%)

3 (3.3%)

50 (55.6%)

2 (2.2%)

2 (2.2%)

3 (3.3%)

Number of Fatalities

Stress or Overexertion

Firefighting is extremely strenuous physical work and 

is likely one of the most physically demanding activities that the human body performs. 

Stress or overexertion is a general category that includes all firefighter deaths that are cardiac or cerebrovascular in nature such as heart attacks, strokes, and 

other events such as extreme climatic thermal exposure. Classification of a firefighter fatality in this cause 

of fatal injury category does not necessarily indicate 

that a firefighter was in poor physical condition. 

Fifty firefighters died in 2009 as a result of stress/

overexertion:

•	Thirty-nine firefighters died due to a heart attack.

•	Eight firefighters died due to CVAs.

•	One firefighter died from heat exhaustion.

•	One firefighter died from a pulmonary embolism.

•	One firefighter died from damage to a heart valve, an 

acute event caused by the extreme physical exertion.
14

Table 10 . Deaths Caused by Stress or Overexertion

Year Number Percent of Fatalities

2009 50 55.5

2008 52 44

2007 55 46.6

2006 54 50.9

2005 62 53.9

2004 66 56.4

2003 51 45.9

2002 38 38

2001 43 40.9*

2000 46 44.6

1999 56 49.5

1998 43 46.2

*Does not include the firefighter deaths of September 11, 2001, in New York City.

Vehicle Crashes

Sixteen firefighters died in 2009 as the result of vehicle crashes, slightly over half the number of firefighter deaths from vehicle crashes in 2008. Five of 

these deaths involved aircraft, only two occurred in 

POVs (the POV average 2004-2008 is 7.6), and nine 

involved fire department apparatus.

•	Of the two crashes that involved the firefighter’s personal vehicle, one death occurred while the firefighter was returning from training on his motorcycle 

and struck a deer. The second firefighter died from 

injuries while responding to a vehicle fire when his 

vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. 

•	Nine separate fire department apparatus crashes took 

the lives of nine firefighters. These involved two engines, one tanker, one ladder truck, one support vehicle, one ambulance, and three brush trucks. Of the 

nine apparatus accidents, the seatbelt status is known 

for five. Four of these five accidents involved firefighters who were not wearing seatbelts and two of 

these firefighters were fully ejected from their vehicles. 

 Figure 9 . Firefighter Fatalities in Vehicle Collisions

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

1997

199819992000

2001

20022003

2004

20052006

2007

20082009

22

17

11

21 21

24

34

20

25

19

27 28

16

Number of Deaths
15

Lost or Disoriented

Two firefighters died in 2009 when they became lost 

or disoriented inside of a manufactured home next 

to a camper where the fire had originated. The firefighters advanced an attack line into the home as other 

firefighters attacked the fire in the camper. Five to 10 

minutes after their entry, the pump operator sounded 

an evacuation signal, concerned that he was running 

out of water. When the two firefighters did not emerge 

from the home, firefighters called out for them, attempted to contact them on the radio, and tugged on 

the attack line to no avail. The firefighters were eventually discovered in the front room of the home unconscious. Both firefighters were pronounced dead at 

the scene.

Caught or Trapped

Three firefighters were killed in 2009 in two separate incidents when they were caught or trapped. This 

classification covers firefighters trapped in wildland 

and structural fires who were unable to escape due to 

rapid fire progression and the byproducts of smoke, 

heat, toxic gases, and flame. This classification also includes firefighters who drowned, and those who were 

trapped and crushed.

•	The cause of death for one firefighter was listed as 

asphyxiation due to probable carbon monoxide toxicity after he had re-entered a large grain silo to assist 

a fellow firefighter attempt an exit from the structure. Both firefighters subsequently lost consciousness. Firefighters on the exterior cut a hole in the 

metal wall of the bin and extricated the firefighters, 

saving one.

•	Two firefighters were caught and trapped after they 

advanced an attack line to the interior of the residence and fire conditions changed rapidly.

Collapse

Two firefighters died in 2009 while they were searching a burning commercial structure and the main floor 

collapsed trapping the firefighters.

Struck by Object 

Being struck by an object was the cause of three fatal 

firefighter injuries in 2009.

•	One firefighter was shot and killed by a patient who 

became violent while being treated by emergency 

services personnel.

•	One firefighter was struck and killed by a vehicle 

on a roadway where he was working to clear trees 

downed by inclement weather.

•	One firefighter was struck and killed by a tree while 

working a hazard tree abatement project.

Fall

Six firefighters died in 2009 as the result of falls.

•	Two firefighters fell from a new 95-foot midmount 

aerial ladder tower. 

•	One firefighter fell from a fire department ladder 

truck following a parade.

•	One firefighter suffered a serious head injury sustained from a fall in the firehouse.

•	One firefighter fell while performing routine rappel 

proficiency skill training.

•	One of three firefighters did not survive a fall when 

escaping rapidly progressing fire conditions forcing 

them to jump from the third story of a residence.

Contact With

One firefighter was fatally electrocuted while at the 

scene of a motor vehicle accident where at least one 

power line was brought to the ground by the crash 

and others were drooping closer to the ground. When 

attempting to step over a power line on the ground, 

the firefighter stumbled, attempted to regain his balance, and came into contact with one or more power 

lines. 

Other

Seven firefighters died in 2009 of a cause that is not 

categorized above. 

•	One firefighter slipped on the driveway at the scene 

of a medical emergency incident and sustained an 

injury to his leg that required surgery. As the firefighter recovered from his surgery, he suffered a 

blood clot in his lungs (pulmonary embolism). The 

autopsy indicated that the clot was related to his leg 

injury.
16

•	While at the scene of a structure fire, one firefighter 

complained of a headache and told others that he 

could not see out of one eye. He was transported to 

the hospital. Tests at the hospital revealed a colloid 

cyst in his brain that several days later resulted in the 

firefighter’s death.

•	One firefighter positioned the department’s tower 

ladder truck at the rear of the fire station. He set 

the stabilizers and entered the ladder’s platform area. 

The firefighter then maneuvered the platform into 

the open rear apparatus bay door of the fire station. 

His head became trapped between the door frame 

and the platform railing causing fatal injuries.

•	One firefighter returned to his fire station after responding to a residential carbon monoxide alarm. 

At the station, the firefighter began complaining of 

chest pains and was subsequently transported to the 

hospital. After undergoing surgery for an aortic separation, he went into cardiac arrest and died the following morning.

•	One fire police officer worked traffic control at the 

scene of a mutual-aid vehicle crash with entrapment. He cleared the scene and went home. Within 

2 hours of leaving the scene of the incident, the fire 

police officer died as the result of illness related to 

asthma.

•	One firefighter passed away at home after responding to a series of EMS and fire calls. The cause and 

nature of his fatal injury are unknown.

•	One firefighter died as a result of injuries sustained 

at a manufacturing company when firefighters applied water to a burning dumpster and a large explosion occurred. 

Figure 10 shows the distribution of the 90 firefighter deaths that occurred in 2009 by the medical nature of the 

fatal injury or illness. For heart attacks, Figure 11 shows the type of duty involved. 

Figure 10 . Fatalities by Nature of Fatal Injury (2009)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Heat Exhaustion

Burns

Asphyxiation

Violence

Electrocution

Trauma

Other

CVA

Heart Attack 39 (43.3%)

Number of Deaths

8 (8.9%)

7 (7.8%)

26 (30%)

1 (1.1%)

1 (1.1%)

1 (1.1%)

5 (5.5%)

2 (2.2%)
17

Figure 11 . Heart Attacks by Type of Duty (2009)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Returning

Responding

Training

Other

Onscene Nonfire

After

Other On Duty

Onscene Fire 13

Number of Deaths

5

6

6

1

3

3

2

Figure 12 shows the percentage distribution of firefighter deaths by age and nature of the fatal injury. Table 11 provides a count of firefighter fatalities by age 

and the nature of the fatal injury.

Younger firefighters were more likely to have died as 

a result of traumatic injuries such as injuries from an 

apparatus accident or becoming caught or trapped 

during firefighting operations. Stress-related deaths 

are rare below the 31 to 35 years of age category and, 

when they occur, often include underlying medical 

conditions. 

Figure 12 . Fatalities by Age and Nature (2009)

0

20

40

60

80

100

61 and 

over

Under 21 to 25 26 to 30 31 to 35 36 to 40 41 to 45 46 to 50 51 to 60

21

Trauma/Asphyxiation

Heart Attack/CVA

100

67

80

63

80

38

62

20

37

20

33

0

67

79

33

67

33

21

Firefighter Ages
18

Table 11 . Firefighter Ages and Nature of Fatal Injury (2009) 

Age Range Heart Attack/CVA/Other Trauma/Asphyxiation Total

under 21 0 2

21 to 25 1 2

26 to 30 1 4

31 to 35 3 5

36 to 40 1 4

41 to 45 10 6

46 to 50 6 3

51 to 60 14 7

61 and over 11 3

The youngest firefighter to die in 2009 was age 18. He was responding to a car fire in his personal vehicle when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed the center line, left the roadway, and 

struck a tree. The firefighter was killed as a result of the crash due to massive head trauma. 

He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Speed and wet road conditions were 

cited as factors in the crash.

The oldest firefighter killed on duty in 2009 was 77. He died at the fire station of a heart attack shortly after preparing vehicles and assisting other firefighters responding to a reported 

wildland fire.

DeaTHs bY TIMe of InJURY

The distribution of all 2009 firefighter deaths according to the time of day when the fatal injury occurred is illustrated in Figure 13. The time of fatal injury for 11 firefighters was either unknown or not reported. 

Figure 13 . Fatalities by Time of Fatal Injury (2009)

0 3 6 9 12 15

2300 - 0059

2100 - 2259

1900 - 2059

1700 - 1859

1500 - 1659

1300 - 1459

1100 - 1259

0900 - 1059

0700 - 0859

0500 - 0659

0300 - 0459

0100 - 0259 3

4

3

3

13

10

12

7

6

9

4

5

Number of Deaths

Time
19

0 3 6 9 12 15

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

April

March

February

January 9

10

8

3

3

4

9

9

9

6

6

14

Number of Deaths

Month of Year

The distribution of firefighter deaths in 2009 by State 

is shown in Table 12. Firefighters based in 32 States 

died in 2009.

The highest number of firefighter deaths, based on the 

location of the fire service organization in 2009, occurred in Pennsylvania with eight deaths. New York 

and North Carolina had the next highest totals of firefighter fatalities in 2009 respectively, seven and six 

firefighter deaths each.
20

Table 12 . Firefighter Fatalities by State by Location of Fire Service* (2009) 

State Fatalities Percentage

AL 2 2.2

AZ 1 1.1

CA 3 3.3

CO 1 1.1

CT 2 2.2

FL 2 2.2

GA 3 3.3

IL 2 2.2

IN 1 1.1

KS 3 3.3

KY 1 1.1

LA 5 5.6

MA 2 2.2

MD 1 1.1

ME 1 1.1

MO 3 3.3

MS 3 3.3

MT 4 4.4

NC 6 6.7

NJ 2 2.2

NY 7 7.8

OH 3 3.3

OK 4 4.4

PA 8 8.9

RI 1 1.1

SC 1 1.1

TX 5 5.6

UT 2 2.2

VA 3 3.3

VT 2 2.2

WI 4 4.4

WV 2 2.2

 * This list attributes the deaths according to the State in which the fire department or unit is based, as opposed to the State in which the 

death occurred. They are listed by those States for statistical purposes and for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the NETC. Due to 

rounding, percentage totals will not add to 100.
21

Figure 15 . Firefighter Fatalities by Region (2009)

West

Career - 3Volunteer - 2Wildland - 6Total - 11

North Central

Career - 4Volunteer - 12Wildland - 1Total - 17

Northeast

Career - 11Volunteer - 15Total - 26

South

Career - 18Volunteer - 18Total - 36
22

Figure 16 . Onduty Firefighter Fatalities 2009 by Fire Department Location
23

Figure 17 . Onduty Firefighter Fatalities 2009 by Incident Location
24

The U.S. Census Bureau defines “urban” as a place having a population of at least 2,500 or lying within a 

designated urban area. “Rural” is defined as any community that is not urban. “Suburban” is not a census 

term but may be taken to refer to any place, urban or 

rural, that lies within a metropolitan area defined by 

the Census Bureau, but not within one of the central 

cities of that metropolitan area.

Fire department areas of responsibility do not always 

conform to the boundaries used by the Census Bureau. 

For example, fire departments organized by counties 

or special fire protection districts may have both urban and rural coverage areas. In such cases, where it 

may not be possible to characterize the entire coverage 

area of the fire department as rural or urban, firefighter deaths were listed as urban or rural based on the 

particular community or location in which the fatality 

occurred.

The following patterns were found for 2009 firefighter fatalities. These statistics are based on answers from 

the fire departments and, when no data from the departments were available, the data were based upon 

population and area served as reported by the fire departments.

Table 13 . Firefighter Deaths by Coverage Area Type (2009)

Urban/Suburban Rural Federal or State 

Parks/Wildland Total

Firefighter Deaths 51 32 7 90
Appendix A

In memory of all firefighters

who answered their last call in 2009

To their families and friends

To their service and sacrifice
26

January 2, 2009–0213 hrs

Gary Vernon Stephens, Firefighter

Age 57, Career • Elizabeth Fire Department, New Jersey

Firefighter Stephens and the members of his engine company were dispatched with other firefighters to a report of 

a structure fire. Firefighter Stephens was the acting captain of his company. The first-due company observed fire 

from a distance and requested a second alarm.

When Firefighter Stephens’ company arrived on the scene, they were directed to establish a water supply for a ladder that was already on the scene. In order to access the scene, the engine was to back down the street where the 

incident was located, drop a supply line, and lay out to a hydrant. The street was crowded with parked vehicles. 

Firefighter Stephens dismounted the engine and walked behind it to guide the apparatus driver.

As the engine backed up, Firefighter Stephens walked behind it from the officer’s side to the driver’s side. As he 

walked, Firefighter Stephens was facing away from the moving apparatus. Firefighter Stephens was struck and run 

over by the apparatus.

Firefighters at the scene witnessed the incident and quickly removed Firefighter Stephens from under the apparatus. 

He was treated on the scene and transported to the hospital. He was pronounced dead at 0240 hours. The cause of 

death was listed as multiple blunt trauma injuries.

A homeless 19-year-old man was charged with setting the fire in the vacant residence as a warming fire.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-10 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200910.html).

January 3, 2009–1533 hrs

John Covington “JC” Myers, Firefighter/Mechanic

Age 61, Volunteer • Union Chapel Volunteer Fire Department, Oklahoma

Firefighter/Mechanic Myers was operating a fire department brush truck at the scene of a wildland fire. The brush 

truck was being driven on a gravel road in heavy smoke conditions.

As the brush truck proceeded on the gravel road, it was involved in a head-on crash with a private pickup truck 

operated by another firefighter that had crossed the center of the road. Firefighter/Mechanic Myers was trapped in 

the brush truck for more than 90 minutes as a result of the crash.

Firefighter/Mechanic Myers died at the scene as a result of his injuries. The firefighter and another firefighter passenger in the other vehicle were treated for non-life threatening injuries. No seatbelts were in use in either vehicle.
27

January 9, 2009–1430 hrs

Kevin M. Kelley, Lieutenant

Age 52, Career • Boston Fire Department, Massachusetts

Lieutenant Kelley and his ladder company had responded to an emergency medical incident. After the incident 

concluded, Lieutenant Kelley and the members of his crew were returning to quarters.

As their apparatus descended a steep hill, the unit’s brakes failed. When he realized that the apparatus could not 

be stopped, Lieutenant Kelley sounded the apparatus warning devices to warn pedestrians and other drivers and 

ordered his crew to brace for impact.

The ladder truck reached the bottom of the hill, crossed several lanes of traffic, crashed through several parked vehicles and an 8-foot brick fence, and came to rest embedded in a highrise building. Lieutenant Kelley was killed in 

the crash. The driver and two firefighter passengers in the ladder truck were injured. The driver had to be extricated from the damaged cab of the apparatus.

Investigations after the crash revealed serious deficiencies in the management and maintenance of the Boston Fire 

Department fleet.

NIOSH developed a safety advisory related to the maintenance of automatic slack adjusters on brake systems (2010-

102). This advisory can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/SafetyAdvisory10202009.html

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-05 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200905.html).

A Board of Inquiry Report prepared by the Boston Fire Department can be downloaded at http://www.cityofboston.gov/fire/pdfs/BoardofInquiryReport_Kelley.pdf

January 24, 2009–0230 hrs

Richard Lynn Rhea, Captain

Age 60, Volunteer • Crawfordville Volunteer Fire Department, Florida

A pickup truck was involved in a crash that resulted in injuries to the occupants of the truck and a broken utility pole. At least one power line was brought to the ground by the crash and others were drooping closer to the 

ground. A sheriff’s deputy was first on the scene having witnessed the incident. The deputy reported the downed 

power lines and instructed the occupants of the vehicle to stay inside. Responding emergency personnel were advised of the downed power lines over the radio and verbally.

Captain Rhea arrived as the driver of a fire department squad. He carried equipment to other firefighters and responders that were assessing injuries to the truck’s occupants and provided treatment. As he walked on the scene, 

Captain Rhea attempted to step over a power line on the ground, stumbled, attempted to regain his balance, and 

came into contact with one or more power lines. He was fatally electrocuted.
28

January 25, 2009–1405 hrs

Cory James Galloway, Firefighter

Age 23, Career • Kilgore Fire Department, Texas

Kyle Wayne Perkins, Firefighter

Age 45, Career • Kilgore Fire Department, Texas

The Kilgore Fire Department had recently received a new 95-foot midmount aerial ladder tower. Firefighters had 

received training from a manufacturer’s representative. The apparatus was not yet in service.

Firefighters brought the ladder truck to a highrise dormitory building at a local college. Three firefighters were in 

the platform of the apparatus as it ascended to the roof. When the platform arrived at the roof of the building, the 

operator set the platform down on the parapet of the building.

During the maneuver, the platform became stuck on the edge of the parapet. The operator attempted to free the 

platform. When the platform dislodged from the parapet, it moved violently away from the building and then 

whipped back and forth. During this time, Firefighter Galloway and Firefighter Perkins fell from the platform to 

their deaths.

None of the three occupants of the platform were wearing restraints or ladder belts.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-06 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200906.html).

January 30, 2009–1405 hrs

Charles D. Myshrall, Firefighter/EMT

Age 67, Volunteer • North Coventry Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., Connecticut

Firefighter/EMT Myshrall responded to a medical emergency incident with other members of his fire department. 

As the incident concluded, Firefighter/EMT Myshrall slipped on the driveway at the scene of the incident. Firefighter/EMT Myshrall was transported to the hospital.

Firefighter/EMT Myshrall sustained an injury to his leg that required surgery. The surgery was conducted on February 5, 2009. Firefighter/EMT Myshrall died on February 26, 2009, as he recovered from his surgery. The cause 

of death was a blood clot in his lungs (pulmonary embolism). The autopsy indicated that the clot was related to 

his leg injury.
29

January 30, 2009–2358 hrs

Mark Bradley Davis, Firefighter/EMT

Age 25, Volunteer • Cape Vincent Volunteer Fire Department, New York

Firefighter/EMT Davis and members of his fire department were dispatched to an emergency medical incident in a 

residence. As the patient was treated, he became agitated and went into a bedroom. The patient emerged from the 

bedroom armed with a rifle. He fired two shots at responders. One shot struck Firefighter/EMT Davis.

The gunman was placed into police custody and responders were able to begin treatment of Firefighter/EMT Davis. 

Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The cause of death was listed as exsanguination 

(blood loss).

January 31, 2009–0040 hrs

William Gray Parsons, Engineer

Age 58, Volunteer • Millers Creek Volunteer Fire Department, North Carolina

Firefighters responded to the report of a structure fire in a residence. Upon their arrival, firefighters discovered a 

fire in a laundry room. The fire was knocked down when there was a report of an ill firefighter at the scene.

Engineer Parsons responded as the driver of a tanker (tender). He began to feel ill during the response and complained to another firefighter about chest pains upon his arrival. Firefighters and paramedics provided treatment at 

the scene and Engineer Parsons was transported to a local hospital. He was flown to a regional care facility but died 

on February 1, 2009. The cause of death was listed as a heart attack.

February 9, 2009–2144 hrs

Manuel “Manny” Rivera, Firefighter

Age 42, Career • Trenton Fire Department, New Jersey

Firefighter Rivera was a member of the crew of an engine company dispatched to a structure fire in a residence. 

When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found a working fire on the first floor of the structure with smoke 

showing from the second and third floors. A civilian in need of rescue was noted at one of the third floor windows.

Continued on next page.
30

Firefighter Rivera raised a 24-foot ground ladder to the window, climbed the ladder, and assisted the trapped civilian to the ground. In the course of communicating with the civilian, Firefighter Rivera was forced to remove his 

self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) facepiece in order to communicate.

When he arrived back on the ground, Firefighter Rivera collapsed due to a heart attack. He was treated on the scene 

by firefighters and emergency medical personnel and then transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest. Emergency 

room personnel were able to restore a heartbeat and he was placed on a ventilator. He was transferred to a regional 

care facility where he died on March 31, 2009.

February 9, 2009–1900 hrs

Dean Walter Mathison, Fire Chief

Age 63, Volunteer • Clayton-Winchester Fire Department, Wisconsin

Chief Mathison and other members of his fire department attended a regional safety organization meeting. The 

event was part business meeting and part training session. At the conclusion of the training, firefighters ate a light 

dinner. At about 2235 hours, Chief Mathison was discovered, unconscious, in the fire station where the meeting 

and training was held.

Chief Mathison was treated by other firefighters and transported to the hospital. Chief Mathison did not recover 

and was pronounced dead the next day. The cause of death was a heart attack.

February 10, 2009–Time Unknown

Jeffrey Isbell, Firefighter

Age 33, Career • Enterprise Fire Department, Alabama

Firefighter Isbell and another firefighter from the Enterprise Fire Department were attending a trench rescue course 

at the Alabama Fire College. At the conclusion of classes for the day, Firefighter Isbell and the other firefighter had 

dinner and then returned to their hotel room. 

The next morning, Firefighter Isbell’s alarm went off and he did not rise from bed. The other firefighter checked 

on Firefighter Isbell and found him to be unresponsive. He was treated and transported to the hospital but did not 

recover. The cause of death was found to be a congenital structural issue with Firefighter Isbell’s heart. He had 

been a firefighter for 6 years and had been cleared for firefighter duties by a physician when he joined the Enterprise Fire Department in 2006.
31

February 15, 2009–2303 hrs

Albert G. Eberle, Jr., Fire Police Captain

Age 74, Volunteer • Roslyn Fire Company, Pennsylvania

Fire Police Captain Eberle was working traffic control at a vehicle crash. While on scene, Fire Police Captain Eberle 

suffered a heart attack. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed at the scene and Fire Police Captain 

Eberle was transported to a local hospital where he later was pronounced dead.

February 19, 2009–2157 hrs

Johnnie Howard Hammons, Lieutenant

Age 49, Volunteer • Craigsville-Beaver-Cottle (C-B-C) Volunteer Fire Department, West Virginia

Timothy Allen “Little Tim” Nicholas, Firefighter

Age 26, Volunteer • Craigsville-Beaver-Cottle (C-B-C) Volunteer Fire Department, West Virginia

Firefighters were dispatched to a report of a camper on fire. The camper was located next to a manufactured home 

and flames were impinging on the home. The occupants of the camper and manufactured home were able to 

evacuate prior to fire department arrival.

Lieutenant Hammons and Firefighter Nicholas advanced an attack line into the home as other firefighters attacked 

the fire in the camper. Five to 10 minutes after their entry, the pump operator sounded an evacuation signal, concerned that he was running out of water.

When Lieutenant Hammons and Firefighter Nicholas did not emerge from the home, firefighters called out for 

them, attempted to contact them on the radio, and tugged on the attack line to no avail. The firefighters were eventually discovered in the front room of the home unconscious. Both firefighters were pronounced dead at the scene.

Both firefighters were equipped with full structural firefighting protective clothing and SCBA. Neither firefighter 

was equipped with a personal alert safety system (PASS) device. Both firefighters were found with their helmets in 

place, with the SCBA regulator attached to the facepiece, but the firefighters were not wearing facepieces.

The cause of death for both firefighters was listed as smoke inhalation and thermal burns. Both firefighters also had 

lethal doses of cyanide in their blood at autopsy.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-07 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200907.html).
32

February 20, 2009–2200 hrs

John Wayne Adams, Firefighter

Age 45, Volunteer • Silver City Volunteer Fire Department, Oklahoma

Firefighter Adams and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a report of three wildland fires near 

a ranch in their district. The incident was dispatched at 1026 hours. When Firefighter Adams arrived at the fire station, two of the department’s brush trucks had already responded to the incident.

Firefighter Adams donned his wildland firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) and then assisted another 

firefighter as he prepared a reserve brush truck for use. The Incident Commander (IC) ordered the unit to respond 

to the scene.

Firefighter Adams participated in firefighting, mopup, and fire watch duties. At approximately 2200 hours, Firefighter Adams was assigned as the driver of a brush truck. He stopped the unit and was discovered unresponsive at 

the wheel of the brush truck by other firefighters. CPR was initiated and an ambulance was called. Although his 

condition temporarily improved, Firefighter Adams did not recover and was pronounced dead by a medical helicopter crew at 2317 hours.

The death certificate and the autopsy completed by the medical examiner listed “atherosclerotic and hypertrophic 

cardiovascular disease” as the cause of death.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-09 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200909.html).

February 21, 2009–2008 hrs

Tommy Lee Adams, Battalion Chief

Age 52, Career • Shreveport Fire Department, Louisiana

Chief Adams was participating in the Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras parade. At the conclusion of the parade, the 

Shreveport engine and ladder that participated in the parade were stopped by the roadside, the riders were removed 

from the apparatus, and items on the top of the trucks were being accounted for and secured. Chief Adams was on 

the top of the ladder truck.

Chief Adams fell from the apparatus to the pavement below. He suffered severe injuries including a brain injury. 

He was treated by firefighters and transported to the hospital. Chief Adams did not recover from his injuries and 

died on December 12, 2009.
33

February 23, 2009–1559 hrs

Derek Edward North, Firefighter

Age 34, Career • Stockton Fire Department – Lanier County, Georgia

Firefighter North was the front seat passenger in a 1964 “Fire Knocker” engine responding to a wildland fire. As 

the engine responded, it approached a split intersection with another highway. As the apparatus approached the 

intersection, the driver tried to apply the brakes and found that he was unable to stop.

The apparatus traveled through the first part of the intersection and then swerved to avoid traffic in the second part 

of the intersection. The apparatus overturned and came to rest on a utility pole. Firefighter North was ejected from 

the vehicle during the crash and sustained fatal injuries.

The cause of death was listed as trauma to the head. Neither the driver of the engine nor Firefighter North were 

wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-08 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200908.html).

February 27, 2009–1620 hrs

Michael James “Mike D” Darrington, Paramedic Firefighter

Age 45, Career • Toledo Fire and Rescue Department, Ohio

Paramedic Firefighter Darrington was on duty at his regular assignment at Engine 14. The engine responded to 

three incidents before 1300 hours. After returning from the third incident, Paramedic Firefighter Darrington returned to the crew’s quarters on the second floor of the fire station. Earlier in the shift, Paramedic Firefighter Darrington had told another firefighter that he was not feeling well.

At 1608 hours, Engine 14 was dispatched to a structure fire in their first-due area. Paramedic Firefighter Darrington did not report to the apparatus for the response. Firefighters found him unconscious on the second floor 

of the station having suffered a heart attack.

Firefighters provided medical attention and an ambulance was dispatched to the station. Despite their efforts, Paramedic Firefighter Darrington was not revived and was pronounced dead by paramedics at 1620 hours.
34

March 1, 2009–1810 hrs

Alan Mack Hermel, Firefighter

Age 62, Volunteer • Bossier Parish Fire District 1, Louisiana

Firefighter Hermel and the members of his fire department responded to a motor vehicle crash at 1810 hours on 

March 1, 2009. No injuries were found and firefighters returned to quarters by 1829 hours.

At 0248 hours that night, Firefighter Hermel’s spouse called 9-1-1 to report that Firefighter Hermel was ill. Firefighters responded to his residence and found Firefighter Hermel exhibiting signs of a stroke. He was treated at the 

scene and transported to the hospital by ambulance. His condition worsened and Firefighter Hermel died as the 

result of an intercranial bleed on March 3, 2009.

March 4, 2009–1428 hrs

Christopher Allen Dill, Corporal

Age 43 – Career • Oklahoma City Fire Department, Oklahoma

Corporal Dill and the members of his engine company were dispatched on the second alarm to an apartment building fire at 1428 hours. Upon their arrival, Corporal Dill’s engine was assigned as the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

After the fire was knocked down, Corporal Dill and his crew were assigned to do overhaul on the structure. After 

approximately 20 minutes of work, the crew rested and drank water. When their overhaul duties were completed, 

Corporal Dill and his crew assisted other crews in picking up tools and hoselines.

As the crew prepared to leave the scene, Corporal Dill told a member of his crew that his back was hurting. Corporal Dill sat down on the ground, began to feel worse, and asked for assistance. Corporal Dill lost consciousness and 

collapsed. Firefighters and responding EMS workers provided assistance and Corporal Dill was transported to the 

hospital. Despite efforts on the scene, in the ambulance, and at the hospital, Corporal Dill was pronounced dead at 

1643 hours, 43 minutes after his collapse. His death was caused by a heart attack.

March 11, 2009–Time Unknown

Gregory Carroll Cooke, Firefighter

Age 60, Volunteer • Salem Volunteer Fire Department, North Carolina

On March 11, 2009, Firefighter Cooke was working at a woods fire when he went into cardiac arrest. He was 

transported by air to the Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, NC. On March 21, 2009, Firefighter Cooke passed away.
35

March 14, 2009–1327 hrs

William Roger Vorwark, Lieutenant

Age 49, Career • Odessa Fire and Rescue Protection District, Missouri

Lieutenant Vorwark was a career firefighter for the Odessa Fire and Rescue Protection District. He was also permitted to respond as a paid-on-call firefighter when he was off duty.

On a day off, he responded to two wildland fires. At the second incident, firefighters were unable to access the fire 

with brush trucks. Lieutenant Vorwark wore full structural protective clothing, without an SCBA, and used a portable water backpack to fight the fire for nearly 40 minutes.

As Lieutenant Vorwark and other firefighters rested, Lieutenant Vorwark suddenly collapsed. CPR was initiated and 

a ground ambulance and medical helicopter were called to the scene. Lieutenant Vorwark was carried by a tractor 

to a paved roadway. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was attached and delivered a shock with no change 

in condition. Paramedics arrived and continued to treat Lieutenant Vorwark. He was flown by medical helicopter 

to a local hospital where treatment was continued until he was pronounced dead over an hour after his collapse. 

The cause of death was listed as a heart attack.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2010-01 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face201001.html).

March 23, 2009–1150 hrs

Nolan Ray Schmidt, Fire Chief

Age 37, Volunteer • Hydro Volunteer Fire Department, Oklahoma

Chief Schmidt and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a report of a possible fire in a large grain 

bin. Firefighters entered the bin to investigate. Chief Schmidt ordered firefighters to exit the bin. In order to get 

out of the bin, firefighters had to climb up a long ladder. One of the firefighters in the bin was fatigued and could 

not complete the climb. Chief Schmidt entered the bin the assist the firefighter.

Both firefighters subsequently lost consciousness. Firefighters on the exterior cut a hole in the metal wall of the 

bin and extricated the two firefighters. Chief Schmidt was transported to the hospital but was pronounced dead. 

The cause of death was listed as asphyxiation due to probable carbon monoxide toxicity. At autopsy, the carboxyhemoglobin level in Chief Schmidt’s blood was found to be 58 percent.
36

March 26, 2009–2145 hrs

Robert L. Strang, Lieutenant

Age 60, Career • Melbourne Fire Department, Florida

Lieutenant Strang and the members of his crew responded to a structure fire. Lieutenant Strang’s engine company 

was first on the scene and advanced an attack line into the structure. The fire was extinguished and units returned 

to quarters.

When they arrived back at quarters, Lieutenant Strang retired to his bunkroom. Approximately 34 minutes after 

returning to quarters, Lieutenant Strang was discovered unconscious. Firefighters removed him from his room and 

initiated advanced life support care. Lieutenant Strang was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced 

dead. The cause of death was a heart attack.

March 27, 2009–0630 hrs

Michael Martin Gilbreath, Fire Chief

Age 55, Volunteer • Double Springs Fire Department, Alabama

Chief Gilbreath and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a “trees down” call on a local county 

road. As he cleared the roadway, Chief Gilbreath was struck by a passing vehicle. The cause of death was listed as 

blunt force trauma.

March 30, 2009–2030 hrs

Robert Andrew France, Firefighter/EMT – Training Officer

Age 45, Volunteer • Stateline Volunteer Fire Department, Mississippi

Firefighter France attended a fire training meeting at the Green County Emergency Services Office. Upon completion of the meeting, he was returning to his home jurisdiction on his motorcycle when he struck a deer. Firefighter France was treated on scene by emergency services personnel and subsequently transported via helicopter to the 

USA Medical Center in Mobile, AL, where he succumbed to his injuries.
37

April 4, 2009–2118 hrs

John DeWayne Weber, Firefighter

Age 77, Volunteer • Township Fire Department, Wisconsin

Firefighter Weber and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a report of a wildland fire. Firefighter Weber lived next door to the fire station. He rode an all terrain vehicle to the fire station and began to prepare 

the station’s four fire trucks for their response. This duty consisted of starting the apparatus and pulling them out 

onto the apron.

Another firefighter arrived and responded to the incident in a tanker (tender). Firefighter Weber remained behind 

in case another apparatus was needed. Fire department units from other fire stations also responded to the incident.

At approximately 2230 hours, Firefighter Weber was discovered unconscious in the apparatus bay. CPR was initiated and an ambulance responded. Firefighter Weber was evaluated by paramedics and further resuscitative measures 

were discontinued. He had died of a heart attack.

April 1, 2009–2126 hrs

George Albert Wimberly, Firefighter

Age 63, Volunteer • Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department, Mississippi

Firefighter Wimberly and the members of his fire department were paged to respond to a residential structure fire. 

Firefighter Wimberly was responding in his personal vehicle when he began to experience severe chest pains.

Firefighter Wimberly pulled to the roadside approximately one-half mile from the fire scene. He was transported 

to the hospital where he was pronounced dead due to a heart attack.

April 1, 2009–Time Unknown

John William Jeffers, Assistant Chief

Age 54, Volunteer • Wellington-Greer Fire Protection District, Illinois

Following a meeting at the fire station, Assistant Chief Jeffers and other firefighters were testing fire hoses. After 

reloading a hose on an engine, Assistant Chief Jeffers sat down on the tail board of the apparatus, and told other 

firefighters that he was not feeling well, and asked to be taken home. Assistant Chief Jeffers described his illness as 

the flu and told others that he had vomited.

A friend stopped by the next afternoon to see him and when there was no response at the door, the fire department 

was called. After gaining access to the home they discovered Assistant Chief Jeffers had died from a heart attack.
38

April 8, 2009–1426 hrs

Heath Jeffrey Van Handel, Pilot

Age 36, Wildland Full-Time • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin

Pilot Van Handel was conducting aerial reconnaissance of a wildland fire in Wood County in a Cessna 337 aircraft. 

He circled the fire area three times and then the aircraft crashed. Pilot Van Handel was killed on impact.

A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation of the crash indicated that the probable cause was a 

failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude.

For additional information about this crash, consult the NTSB website at http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/query.asp - 

NTSB identification CEN09FA242.

April 11, 2009–1100 hrs

Patrick J. Reardon, Firefighter

Age 42, Career • New Haven Fire Department, Connecticut

Firefighter Reardon had just returned from an incident response and was back in his fire station. He sustained a 

fall on the apparatus floor for an unknown reason and suffered severe head injuries. Firefighter Reardon was transported to the hospital and died on April 21, 2009, as a result of his injuries.

April 12, 2009–0014 hrs

James Arthur Harlow, Sr., Captain

Age 49, Career • Houston Fire Department, Texas

Damion Jon Hobbs, Probationary Firefighter

Age 30, Career • Houston Fire Department, Texas

Captain Harlow, Firefighter Hobbs, and the members of Engine 26 were dispatched to the report of a structure fire 

in a residence just after midnight. Engine 26 was the first to arrive on the scene approximately 6 minutes after dispatch. They found a large residence with smoke showing. 

Captain Harlow and Firefighter Hobbs advanced an attack line to the interior of the structure. Firefighter Hobbs 

was on the nozzle, backed up by Captain Harlow and another firefighter. As the line was advanced, the third firefighter had to withdraw from the structure due to an issue with his protective clothing. Continued on next page.
39

Approximately 7 minutes after the arrival of Engine 26 on the scene, fire conditions changed rapidly and firefighters exited the building. The IC declared a defensive strategy and apparatus air horns were sounded to announce the 

evacuation of the building. Firefighters realized that Captain Harlow and Firefighter Hobbs were not accounted for.

Firefighters used master streams and handlines to try to control the fire. Approximately 30 minutes after the switch 

to defensive strategy, firefighters were able to enter the structure and Captain Harlow and Firefighter Hobbs were 

found.

Both firefighters were removed to the front yard of the home and resuscitative efforts were made, to no avail. The 

cause of death for Captain Harlow was listed as thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. The cause of death for Firefighter Hobbs was listed as thermal injuries.

This incident was the first structure fire response for Firefighter Hobbs.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-11 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200911.html).

The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office prepared a detailed report on this incident. The report is available at http://

www.tdi.state.tx.us/fire/fmloddinvesti.html

April 15, 2009–1945 hrs

Charles Fletcher “Buck” Clough, Jr., Fire Chief

Age 41, Volunteer

Sudlersville Fire Company, Inc., Maryland

Chief Clough and the members of his fire department were dispatched to the report of an appliance fire. Chief 

Clough responded from his residence in a fire department pickup truck. 

As he responded, Chief Clough came upon a car that pulled out into his path. Chief Clough attempted to maneuver 

around the car but his vehicle turned sideways and began to skid. His vehicle then went off the roadway and struck 

a tree. At approximately 1951 hours, the dispatch center received reports of a vehicle crash involving a fire department pickup truck.

Arriving firefighters discovered Chief Clough entrapped after a collision with a tree. He was pronounced dead at 

the scene. The cause of death was listed as multiple trauma. Chief Clough was wearing his seatbelt at the time of 

the crash.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-12 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200912.html).
40

April 21, 2009–1800 hrs

April 17, 2009–1900 hrs

Stephen Michael Cospelich, Lieutenant

Age 57, Career • Philadelphia Fire Department, Pennsylvania

Lieutenant Cospelich and the members of his ladder company assisted with operations at a structure fire that concluded at approximately 1500 hours. Lieutenant Cospelich went off duty at approximately 1800 hours.

While walking his dog at home, Lieutenant Cospelich suffered a stroke. He was transported from the scene but 

died as the result of his injury on May 19, 2009.

Dennis M. Simmons, District Chief

Age 63, Volunteer • Stafford County Fire/EMS Department, Kansas

A number of different fire department units responded to assist with fighting a wildland fire that resulted from a 

controlled burn. District Chief Simmons assisted with firefighting efforts from his arrival on the scene at approximately 1544 hours until approximately 1715 hours. At that time, District Chief Simmons told the IC that he was 

exhausted and needed to be relieved.

District Chief Simmons departed the scene in his personal vehicle. At approximately 1800 hours, reports were received of a vehicle in a ditch. Responders discovered District Chief Simmons. He was unresponsive. He was transported to the hospital but died some time later. The cause of death was a heart attack.
41

April 25, 2009–1000 hrs

Thomas Lowell Risk, Captain/Pilot

Age 66, Wildland Contract • Neptune Aviation Services under contract to the U.S. Forest Service

Michael Wayne Flynn, First Officer/Copilot

Age 59, Wildland Contract • Neptune Aviation Services under contract to the U.S. Forest Service

Brian Joseph Buss, Crew Chief

Age 32, Wildland Contract • Neptune Aviation Services under contract to the U.S. Forest Service

Neptune Aviation Services received a resource order to relocate Tanker 42 from its base in Missoula, MT, to Alamogordo, NM, to assist with wildland firefighting operations. Tanker 42 was a 1962 Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune 

aircraft. The aircraft departed Missoula at 0803 hours.

According to the NTSB report, the aircraft appeared to be negotiating around some weather systems as it flew over 

Utah. The aircraft crashed into a slope at an elevation of approximately 5,600 feet. All three firefighters were killed 

in the crash.

For additional information about this crash, consult the NTSB website at http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/query.asp - 

NTSB identification WPR09GA216.

April 29, 2009–0710 hrs

Cohnway Matthew Johnson, Cadet Firefighter

Age 26, Career • Houston Fire Department, Texas

Cadet Firefighter Johnson was nearing the end of a 4-mile cadence run. He was about 60 yards from the finish 

when he began to stagger. He was helped to the ground and attended to by a paramedic. He was transported to 

the hospital. At the hospital, his body temperature was found to be 105.3 °F.

Firefighter Johnson died on May 4, 2009. The cause of death was listed as complications of hyperthermia and dehydration.
42

May 10, 2009–2200 hrs

Frankie Paul Nelson, Fire Captain

Age 51, Career • Shreveport Fire Department, Louisiana

Captain Nelson worked a 24-hour shift that began at 1400 hours on May 9, 2009, and ended at 1400 hours on 

May 10, 2009. During the shift, Captain Nelson responded to a motor vehicle crash and provided Incident Command, EMS assistance, and traffic safety and control measures.

Approximately 8 hours after going off duty, Captain Nelson suffered a fatal heart attack.

May 22, 2009–1523 hrs

Paul James Roberts, Firefighter

Age 54, Career • Beverly Fire Department, Massachusetts

Firefighter Roberts reported for duty at 0700 hours. He and his crew responded to two emergency medical incidents during the morning. One incident was a significant motor vehicle crash that involved the treatment of several 

patients.

At 1520 hours, another Beverly engine was dispatched to a 3rd alarm fire. Firefighter Roberts’ engine was to cover 

the vacant fire station and be prepared to respond. Firefighter Roberts did not report to the apparatus for the response. He was discovered unconscious in his dorm room.

Firefighters provided treatment and Firefighter Roberts was transported to the hospital by ambulance. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. His death was caused by a heart attack.

May 30, 2009–1633 hrs

James M. “Marty” Hall, Firefighter/EMT

Age 50, Volunteer • Greentown Volunteer Fire Department, Ohio

Firefighter/EMT Hall was on duty with the Greentown Fire Department on May 29, 2009, from 0600 to 1800 

hours. During that time, he responded to two EMS incidents. On May 30, 2009, while participating in a charity 

basketball game for his employer, the Canton Fire Department, he collapsed due to a medical emergency. Care was 

initiated on scene and he was transported to the local medical facility where, despite resuscitative efforts, he succumbed to his illness (heart attack).

Firefighter/EMT Hall was also a career Captain with the Canton Fire Department.
43

June 4, 2009–2156 hrs

Jeffrey Houston Reed, Firefighter

Age 39, Career • Pulaski Fire Department, Virginia

Firefighter Reed and other firefighters responded to the scene of a structure fire in an abandoned building. Firefighter Reed operated the pump on an engine. After about 3 hours of onscene operations, Firefighter Reed complained of a headache and told others that he could not see out of one eye.

He was transported to the hospital. Tests at the hospital revealed a colloid cyst in his brain. Firefighter Reed died as 

a result of his illness on June 8, 2009.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-22 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200922.html).

June 5, 2009–0053 hrs

Matthew Douglas Tramel, Firefighter

Age 18, Volunteer • Town of Pembroke Fire Department, North Carolina

Firefighter Tramel was responding to a car fire in his personal vehicle when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed 

the center line, left the roadway, and struck a tree. Firefighter Tramel was killed as a result of massive head trauma 

sustained during the crash. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Speed and wet road conditions 

were cited as factors in the crash.

June 10, 2009–0630 hrs

Debra Ann Cole, Firefighter/Paramedic

Age 40, Career • South Portland Fire Department, Maine

Firefighter/Paramedic Cole collapsed in the station while on duty and after having run at least one emergency call 

during the shift. Her collapse was not witnessed but was overheard and she was tended to immediately by the 

rest of her crew. Firefighter/Paramedic Cole was transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she was 

treated and underwent almost 11 hours of surgery. Firefighter/Paramedic Cole succumbed to her injury at approximately 1630 hours the following day. The cause of death was listed as a stroke.
44

June 10, 2009–Time Unknown

Conrad A. Mansfield, Firefighter

Age 45, Volunteer • Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Department, Ohio

Firefighter Mansfield collapsed while participating in pump training. Mansfield was transported to a local hospital 

and then airlifted to a hospital in Toledo where he was placed on life support. Firefighter Mansfield succumbed 

to his injury on June 12, 2009. Preliminary results indicated the nature of the fatal injury was a stroke, but a final 

determination is pending further investigation.

June 16, 2009–1800 hrs

Lyle Chester Lewis, Firefighter

Age 50, Paid-on-Call • Osborne County Rural Fire District #3, Kansas

Firefighter Lewis and the members of his fire department responded to a residential structure fire. It was a hot and 

humid day. Firefighters found a working fire.

Firefighter Lewis and other firefighters advanced a handline through a second story window and operated in the 

interior. After exiting the structure temporarily, Firefighter Lewis and another firefighter went back into the structure to continue operations. As Firefighter Lewis exited the building for the second time, his low air alarm was 

sounding.

When he arrived at rehab, he told other firefighters that he was overheated. He was assessed and found to be suffering from chest pains. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Firefighter Lewis lost consciousness; an 

AED was attached and delivered a shock.

Treatment efforts continued in the emergency room but were not successful. Firefighter Lewis was pronounced 

dead at 1845 hours.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2010-02 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face201002.html).

June 16, 2009–1845 hrs

James E. “Jimmy” Cameron, Firefighter

Age 47, Volunteer • South Chester Fire Department, South Carolina

Firefighter Cameron and the members of his fire department were dispatched to perform a storm damage assessment after a serious storm passed through the area. While performing the assessment, Firefighter Cameron suffered a heart attack and died in his vehicle at the side of the road. He was found by other firefighters.
45

June 18, 2009–0715 hrs

William V. “Bill” Thompson, Sr., Firefighter

Age 66, Volunteer • Dushore Fire Company #1, Pennsylvania

Firefighter Thompson suffered an apparent heart attack and died at approximately 0715 hours on June 18, 2009, 

while on his way to work. Firefighter Thompson had responded to an emergency call the previous evening.

June 26, 2009–1630 hrs

Brett Michael Stearns, Captain

Age 29, Wildland Full-Time • Bureau of Land Management – Little Snake Field Office

Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit

Captain Stearns and a dozen other firefighters were conducting a hazardous tree abatement training project near 

Craig, Colorado. During the operation, a tree fell and struck Captain Stearns in the head and back.

Captain Stearns was treated at the scene and eventually pronounced dead by an emergency room physician through 

radio communications.

A comprehensive report on the incident was prepared by the Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit. It can be 

found at http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/nifc/Safety.Par.41629.File.dat/FreemanFactual.pdf

June 29, 2009–1435 hrs

Allan “Pickles” LePage, Assistant Chief

Age 67, Volunteer • Kingston Fire District, Rhode Island

Assistant Chief LePage positioned the department’s tower ladder truck at the rear of the fire station. He set the stabilizers and entered the ladder’s platform area. Assistant Chief LePage maneuvered the platform into the open rear 

apparatus bay door of the fire station. His head became trapped between the door frame and the platform railing 

and he received fatal injuries.

Other firefighters found him trapped, repositioned the ladder, removed Assistant Chief LePage, and provided medical treatment to no avail.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-18 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200918.html).
46

July 4, 2009–2257 hrs

Dale Elliott Haddix, Assistant Fire Chief

Age 70, Volunteer • Schell City Volunteer Fire Department, Missouri

Upon arrival at the scene of a vacant residential structure fire, Assistant Fire Chief Haddix told other firefighters 

that he would run the pump on the attack engine from inside the cab of the apparatus. A short time later, he was 

observed slumped over the wheel. Assistant Chief Haddix was treated on scene by a standby medical crew but succumbed to his injury. 

An 18-year-old man was charged with arson for shooting a roman candle into the structure and causing the structure fire.

July 6, 2009–0354 hrs

Ryan Wingard, Firefighter

Age 28, Volunteer • Strattanville Volunteer Fire Company, No. 1, Pennsylvania

Firefighter Wingard and the members of his fire department responded to a debris fire on the site of a house that 

was recently demolished. Firefighter Wingard assisted with hoseline deployment and then told other firefighters 

that he was ill.

Firefighter Wingard collapsed and CPR was initiated. An ambulance arrived on the scene and transported Firefighter Wingard to the hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. The cause of death was a cardiac condition.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-24 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200924.html).

July 7, 2009–1545 hrs

David V. Grass, Jr., Firefighter

Age 34, Volunteer • Ste. Genevieve Fire Department, Missouri

Firefighter Grass was participating in physical fitness activities at his fire station. As he was exercising, he felt a pop 

in his head and began to feel ill. He called his wife to the fire station in order to go to the hospital. Firefighter 

Grass’s wife transported him to a local hospital.

Firefighter Grass was transferred by medical helicopter to a regional hospital. He was treated at the hospital but his 

condition did not improve. Firefighter Grass died as the result of a stroke on July 8, 2009.
47

July 9, 2009–0852 hrs

Joseph T. Grace, Fire Equipment Operator

Age 47, Career • Saint Tammany Fire Protection District #4 – Mandeville Fire Department, Louisiana

Fire Equipment Operator Grace worked a 24-hour shift from 0700 hours on July 8, 2009, through 0700 hours on 

July 9, 2009. During the shift, he responded to two medical emergency incidents and participated in a structural 

firefighting training exercise in full structural protective clothing.

Fire Equipment Operator Grace went off duty and traveled to his second job as a paramedic for an ambulance service. At approximately 0852 hours, Fire Equipment Operator Grace suffered a stroke. He was transported to the 

hospital but did not recover. He died on July 10, 2009.

July 21, 2009–1010 hrs

Thomas David “TJ” Marovich, Jr., Firefighter

Age 20 – Wildland Full-Time • USDA Forest Service – Modoc National Forest, California

Firefighter Marovich was participating in required proficiency training that involved rappelling from a helicopter. Firefighter Marovich fell approximately 200 feet to the ground. It appeared that Firefighter Marovich was not 

properly attached to the rope, resulting in a free fall. Firefighter Marovich died of multiple blunt trauma injuries.

July 31, 2009–Time Unknown

Eric Allen Tinkham, Captain/Paramedic

Age 44, Career • Queen Creek Fire Department, Arizona

Captain Tinkham reported for a 24-hour shift on July 31, 2009. During the shift, he and his crew responded to an 

emergency medical incident and conducted training in full structural protective clothing, including SCBA. Captain 

Tinkham retired for the evening at approximately 2230hrs.

When he did not enter the kitchen of the fire station on the morning of August 1, 2009, a member of his crew 

went to check on Captain Tinkham. He was found unconscious and unresponsive.

Captain Tinkham was treated by firefighters and transported to the hospital. Despite these efforts, he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was a heart attack.
48

August 6, 2009–1430 hrs

John P. “Jack” Horton, Assistant Chief

Age 68, Volunteer • Marlboro Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., Vermont

Assistant Chief Horton was in command of fire department operations at a single-vehicle rollover crash. When an 

ambulance arrived on the scene, Chief Horton and another firefighter decided to reposition an engine to give the 

ambulance better access to the scene.

As the apparatus was backed up, Chief Horton likely experienced a medical emergency that caused him to collapse 

in the path of the engine. The engine backed over Chief Horton and he received serious traumatic injuries. Chief 

Horton was transported to the hospital but did not survive.

August 12, 2009–1530 hrs

Paul V. Warhola, Firefighter

Age 47, Career • Fire Department City of New York, New York

Firefighter Warhola was the chauffeur of an engine company that responded to a fire alarm activation in an apartment building. As his crew investigated the alarm, Firefighter Warhola remained with his apparatus.

When firefighters emerged from the building, Firefighter Warhola told other firefighters that he was experiencing 

weakness, dizziness, and that he was having difficulty breathing. Firefighters transported Firefighter Warhola back 

to the firehouse and requested EMS. Firefighter Warhola was transported to the hospital but later died as the result 

of a stroke.

August 15, 2009–2006 hrs

Jimmie L. Zeeks, Fire Chief

Age 54, Volunteer • Marion Township Rural Fire Department, Indiana

Fire Chief Zeeks was in command of the response to a vehicle rollover crash. Chief Zeeks suffered an apparent 

heart attack. Members of his department immediately started life saving efforts. Chief Zeeks was rushed to a local 

hospital where he succumbed to his illness.
49

August 20, 2009–1545 hrs

David McKay Jamsa, Pilot

Age 44, Wildland Contract • Minuteman Aerial Application under contract to Bureau of Land Management

Pilot Jamsa and his single engine air tanker aircraft, an Airtractor AT-802A, were assigned to the Battle Mountain 

Airport in Nevada. He was working on aerial firefighting operations on the Hoyt Fire.

Pilot Jamsa was in the process of conducting a fire retardant drop in the saddle area between two ridges. The aircraft did not drop retardant as planned and made contact with the ground uphill to a crest. After reaching the crest, 

the aircraft became airborne again for a short time before crashing. Pilot Jamsa was transported to the hospital but 

died as the result of injuries received in the crash.

For additional information about this crash, consult the NTSB website at http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/query.asp - 

NTSB identification WPR09GA407.

August 24, 2009–0349 hrs

Charles W. “Chip” McCarthy, Jr., Lieutenant

Age 45, Career • Buffalo Fire Department, New York

Jonathan S. “Sim” Croom, Firefighter

Age 34, Career • Buffalo Fire Department, New York

Buffalo Fire Department units were dispatched to a report of a structure fire in a convenience store. Firefighters 

found a working fire on their arrival and civilian reports of people trapped in the building. Both the exterior and 

the interior of the building were difficult to access due to numerous security measures.

Firefighters searched the building and found no occupants. Access to the building’s basement could not be achieved 

due to fire conditions and a reinforced door. An order to evacuate the building and a switch to defensive firefighting operations was declared by the IC.

At approximately 0422 hours, Members of Rescue 1, including Lieutenant McCarthy, entered the retail area of the 

store to verify that all firefighters had evacuated. Less than 2 minutes after their entry, the floor collapsed and Lieutenant McCarthy fell into the basement. Lieutenant McCarthy immediately began to call for help over his portable 

radio. The other members of his crew were unaware of what had happened and exited the structure.

Firefighter Croom was a member of the assigned Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST). Firefighter Croom 

entered the structure, it is thought that he directly heard the calls for help from Lieutenant McCarthy. Firefighter 

Croom also fell into the basement in close proximity to Lieutenant McCarthy.

Continued on next page.
50

Fire conditions worsened and firefighters were not able to access the interior. Firefighter Croom’s status was not 

known for some time due to errors in accountability procedures. Firefighters were able to enter the basement and 

located the deceased firefighters at 0918 hours.

The cause of death for both firefighters was smoke inhalation. The blood carboxyhemoglobin level at autopsy for 

both firefighters was above 50 percent.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-23 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200923.html).

August 30, 2009–1311 hrs

Kenneth Eugene Frizzell, Jr., Firefighter

Age 55, Volunteer • Charleston Volunteer Fire Department, Vermont

Firefighter Frizzell was the lone occupant of a tanker/pumper returning to the fire station from a response. Firefighter Frizzell lost control of the apparatus while descending a hill. The apparatus left the roadway, struck a telephone pole, and rolled over. Firefighter Frizzell was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.

There were reports that Firefighter Frizzell suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash that incapacitated him. 

No mechanical problems were discovered when the apparatus was inspected after the crash.

August 30, 2009–1430 hrs

Tedmund D. “Ted” Hall, Captain

Age 47, Career • Los Angeles County Fire Department, California

Arnaldo “Arnie” Quinones, Firefighter Specialist

Age 34, Career • Los Angeles County Fire Department, California

Captain Hall and Firefighter Specialist Quinones were working at Los Angeles County Fire Department Mount Gleason Fire Camp 16 along with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate firefighters. The Station Fire was ongoing in the area and there was a plan to defend in place if the fire threatened the camp.

A planned firing operation was conducted on a slope below the camp. Firefighters at the camp were sheltered in 

the dining hall and firefighters were positioned for structure protection. The fire behaved in a manner that was 

not predicted and attacked the camp. Flame fronts of over 200 feet reached the camp. Firefighters were ordered 

to abandon the dining hall, which caught fire, and move to vehicles. These vehicles were moved to an area of the 

camp where the fire had already passed. An accountability report revealed that Captain Hall and Firefighter Specialist Quinones were not accounted for.

Captain Hall and Firefighter Specialist Quinones had been assigned as the firing team. Their vehicle was discovered 

approximately 800 feet off of the road in a ravine. Both were deceased. The autopsies of both firefighters listed the 

cause of death as multiple trauma. Continued on next page.
51

The Station Fire was determined to be incendiary.

The factual report prepared by the Los Angeles County Fire Department related to the Camp 16 Incident can be 

found at http://www.fire.lacounty.gov/top_story_images/Camp16SAIR.pdf

September 9, 2009–0302 hrs

Richard William Holst, Fire Police Captain/Chaplain

Age 60, Volunteer • Huntington Manor Fire Department, New York

Fire Police Captain Holst was the first fire department member on the scene of a fire reported in a local restaurant. 

He met the first chief officers arriving on the scene and helped do the building walkaround to locate the fire.

About 10 minutes after the arrival of the first chief officer, Fire Police Captain Holst collapsed. Firefighters began 

CPR and he was transported to the hospital. Fire Police Captain Holst did not recover. The cause of death was listed 

as a heart attack.

The fire was determined to be incendiary.

September 11, 2009–2136 hrs

Ricky R. Christiana, Firefighter/Operator

Age 44, Career • David Crockett Volunteer Fire Company #2, Louisiana

Firefighter/Operator Christiana and the members of his fire department responded to a fire in a two-story residence. When firefighters arrived, they found a working fire. Firefighter/Operator Christiana operated the pump 

on an engine at the scene and assisted with the deployment of attack and supply lines.

Approximately 30 minutes into operations, Firefighter/Operator Christiana collapsed. His collapse was witnessed 

and firefighters and paramedics came immediately to his aid. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance but 

did not recover. The cause of death was listed as a heart attack.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-26 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200926.html).
52

September 13, 2009–0033 hrs

Terry Lynn Sharon, Firefighter

Age 60, Volunteer • Monterey Fire Department, Kentucky

Firefighter Sharon, as the driver and sole occupant of an engine, was returning to quarters from the scene of a fatal 

car crash. As he neared the fire station, Firefighter Sharon suffered a heart attack. Firefighter Sharon was transported to the hospital but did not survive.

The apparatus left the roadway, traveled approximately 150 feet, and ran into a camper. Damage to the apparatus 

and camper were minor.

October 2, 2009–0100 hrs

Patrick Joyce, Jr., Firefighter

Age 39, Career • Yonkers Fire Department, New York

Firefighter Joyce and other firefighters were operating at a working fire in a three-story residence. Firefighter Joyce 

and his crew were on the top floor of the structure when fire conditions changed rapidly.

Firefighter Joyce and two other firefighters were forced to jump from the structure to the ground. Firefighter Joyce 

received fatal injuries in the fall. The fire was incendiary.

October 3, 2009–0815 hrs

Carl M. Nordwall, Captain

Age 56, Career • Norfolk Airport Fire Department, Virginia

Captain Nordwall began complaining of chest and arm discomfort immediately following morning roll call. Firefighters began to assess his illness and Captain Nordwall collapsed. He was transported to the closest hospital as 

CPR was performed. Captain Nordwell did not recover and died on October 5, 2009, as the result of a pulmonary 

embolism.
53

October 17, 2009–1345 hrs

Gary David Street, Firefighter Emergency Medical Responder

Age 60, Volunteer • East Lake Sinclair, Hancock County Station #2, Georgia

Firefighter Street and other members of his fire department responded to a fall injury. Firefighter Street was the 

first responder on the scene and conducted the initial patient assessment. Firefighter Street was joined by other 

responders who assisted with treatment. Anticipating the arrival of the ambulance, Firefighter Street moved the department’s MED truck out of the way. After completing this task, Firefighter Street exited the vehicle and collapsed.

He was treated at the scene by other responders but did not survive. The cause of death was a heart attack.

October 21, 2009–1719 hrs

John D. Thurman, Captain

Age 54, Career • Clinton Fire Department, Mississippi

Captain Thurman was participating in physical fitness activities in a park adjacent to his fire station. The fire department received reports that a firefighter was down in the park at 1719 hours. Responding firefighters found Captain 

Thurman unconscious. He was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital but did not survive. His death 

was caused by a heart attack.

October 24, 2009–0038 hrs

Roy Everett Westover, Jr., Lieutenant

Age 41, Volunteer • Westover Area Volunteer Fire Company, Pennsylvania

Lieutenant Westover responded with other members of his fire department to a working fire in a residence. Lieutenant Westover participated in fire attack operations until the water supply at the scene ran low and then he took 

a break.

Lieutenant Westover complained to other firefighters of a headache and went to rest in the cab of an onscene apparatus. Onscene ambulance responders found him in the cab exhibiting signs of a heart attack and began treatment. 

Lieutenant Westover was transported to the hospital and provided with treatment in the emergency room. He did 

not survive the heart attack.

The structure fire was incendiary.

For additional information regarding this incident, please refer to NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report F2009-29 (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200929.html).
54

October 27, 2009–Time Unknown

Phillip A. Whitney, Fire Chief

Age 72, Paid-on-Call • Springville Fire Department, Utah

Chief Whitney responded to the scene of a fire alarm activation. He determined that the alarm was due to the use 

of a smoke making machine by the building occupants, reset the alarm, and closed the incident at 1821 hours.

The next morning, Chief Whitney called the fire station to say that he was not feeling well and that his arrival at the 

station would be delayed. At approximately 1015 hours, Chief Whitney was discovered unconscious in his home. 

He was pronounced dead in his home by arriving EMS responders. The cause of death was listed as a heart attack.

November 3, 2009–1655 hrs

Robert Paul “Stoney” Stone, Jr., Firefighter

Age 48, Volunteer • Amity Fire and Rescue, Pennsylvania

Firefighter Stone returned to his fire station after responding to a residential carbon monoxide alarm. Firefighter 

Stone began complaining of chest pains and was subsequently transported to the hospital. After undergoing surgery for an aortic separation at the hospital, Firefighter Stone went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 

approximately 0730 hours the following morning.

November 4, 2009–Time Unknown

Chad Eric Greene, Deputy Chief

Age 34, Career • Union Cross Fire and Rescue of Forsyth County, Inc., North Carolina

Chief Greene completed his shift at approximately 0830 hours due to a late call for a motor vehicle crash. Chief 

Greene left the station, dropped his son off for preschool, and then went home. His wife returned home and found 

him unresponsive, called 9-1-1, and began CPR. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced 

dead at approximately 1230 hours.
55

November 21, 2009–1554 hrs

Walter G. Hessling, Firefighter

Age 54, Volunteer • Dix Hills Volunteer Fire Department, New York

Firefighter Hessling responded to motor vehicle crash at 1033 hours. He suffered a stroke at 1554 hours. Firefighter Hessling died as a result of his illness on November 27, 2009.

November 22, 2009–1200 hrs

Terrance D. Freeman, Sr., Firefighter

Age 37, Career • Rockford Fire Department, Illinois

Firefighter Freeman completed a shift in which he responded to several emergencies at 0800 hours. He suffered a 

heart attack at 1200 hours and did not survive.

December 4, 2009–1803 hrs

Gary F. Neidig, Jr., Fire Police Officer

Age 36, Volunteer • Mount Carmel Volunteer Fire Department, Pennsylvania

Fire Police Officer Neidig worked traffic control at the scene of a mutual-aid vehicle crash with entrapment. He 

cleared the scene and went home. Within 2 hours of leaving the scene of the incident, Fire Police Officer Neidig 

died as the result of illness related to asthma.

December 10, 2009–0655 hrs

Jimmy Lee Davis, Fire Chief

Age 63, Volunteer • White Oak Volunteer Fire Department, North Carolina

Chief Davis was preparing to leave his residence to respond to an alarm for a motor vehicle crash. Chief Davis suffered a medical emergency and collapsed. Although Chief Davis was subsequently treated by first responders and 

transported to the hospital, he succumbed to his injury. His death was caused by a heart attack.
56

December 13, 2009–1000 hrs

Urban Aloyisous Eck, Fire Captain

Age 51, Career • Wichita Fire Department, Kansas

Captain Eck assisted with fire department operations at a second-alarm apartment fire. He and his crew operated at 

the scene for over 4 hours. While in rehab at the scene, Captain Eck’s vital signs were elevated. Captain Eck and his 

engine company returned to service and responded to two additional emergency incidents prior to going off duty 

at 0800 hours on December 14, 2009.

Captain Eck continued to have physical symptoms. He reported for duty his next shift on December 16, 2009, but 

reported being tired and congested. Captain Eck was admitted to the hospital on December 18 and was diagnosed 

with heart failure.

Heart surgery was performed on December 29, 2009. Captain Eck did not recover from the surgery and died on 

January 2, 2010. His surgery was an attempt to repair damage to a heart valve, an acute event caused by the extreme physical exertion at the December 13, 2009, fire.

December 20, 2009–Time Unknown

Bobby Joe Mullins, Assistant Fire Chief

Age 52, Volunteer • Dante Volunteer Fire Department, Virginia

Assistant Chief Mullins began to experience chest pains while operating at a vehicle fire. He was treated and transported to the emergency room. Chief Mullins was then transferred to a trauma center but passed away soon after 

arriving of sudden cardiac arrest. His death was caused by a heart attack.

December 24, 2009–1911 hrs

Craig C. Starr, Fire Chief

Age 44, Volunteer • Plymouth Fire Department, Utah

Chief Starr suffered a heart attack while transporting a fall patient to the hospital. He was transported to the hospital but did not survive.
57

December 26, 2009–2321 hrs

Paul D. Holmes, Firefighter Paramedic

Age 37, Career • Douglas County Fire Department, Georgia

Firefighter Paramedic Holmes was the passenger in an ambulance responding to a vehicle fire with injuries. As the 

ambulance attempted to pass another car traveling on the same direction as the ambulance, the car struck the ambulance and caused the driver of the ambulance to lose control.

The ambulance fell onto its side, slid, and flipped 3 times. The ambulance came to rest on its wheels. Firefighter 

Paramedic Holmes was ejected during the crash. He was transported to the hospital where he died as the result of 

traumatic injuries on December 28, 2009.

December 26, 2009–Time Unknown

Clair Melvin Pierce, Firefighter

Age 68, Volunteer • Wellsboro Fire Department, Pennsylvania

Firefighter Pierce passed away at home after responding to a series of EMS and fire calls. The cause and nature of 

Firefighter Pierce’s fatal injury are unknown.

December 29, 2009–1920 hrs

Steve Koeser, Firefighter

Age 33, Volunteer • Saint Anna Fire Department, Wisconsin

Firefighter Koeser and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a dumpster fire that had been reported by a law enforcement officer on patrol. The incident occurred at a local manufacturing company.

As firefighters applied water to the burning dumpster, an explosion occurred. Firefighter Koeser received fatal injuries and eight other firefighters were injured. An investigation concluded that the explosion was caused by the 

introduction of water and foam into the burning dumpster. The cause of the fire in the dumpster was not known.
58

December 29, 2009–1736 hrs

Richard Adam Miller, Firefighter

Age 24, Career • Belmont Fire Department, North Carolina

Firefighter Miller suffered a heart attack while engaged in physical fitness activities in the fire station. Firefighters 

found him unconscious near a treadmill. Firefighters provided medical treatment, including the use of an AED, and 

Firefighter Miller was transported to the hospital. He did not recover and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

FireFighter FAtAlities From previous YeArs

November 24, 1996–Time Unknown

Ramon E. Hain, Firefighter

Age 37, Career • Saint Paul Fire Department, Minnesota

Firefighter Hain was exposed to bodily fluids during an EMS incident in 1996. He developed a heart condition that 

was related to his exposure. He retired from the fire department in 2000. He died on November 14, 2009. He 

was 50 years of age at the time of his death.

October 20, 2008–1002 hrs

Robert Johnson, Firefighter

Age 75, Volunteer • Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department, New York

Firefighter Johnson was assisting with a fire safety demonstration at a nursery school. During the demonstration, 

he fell from the jump seat area of a fire truck at the school and sustained serious head injuries. Firefighter Johnson 

remained in a coma until his death on July 5, 2009.
59

Appendix B

Firefighter Fatality Inclusion Criteria— 

National Fire Service Organizations

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the 

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), the 

U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), and other organizations individually collect information on firefighter fatalities in the United States. Each organization uses a 

slightly different set of inclusion criteria that are based 

at least in part on the purposes of the information collection for each organization and data consistency.

As a result of these differing inclusion criteria, statistics about firefighter fatalities may be provided by each 

organization that do not coincide with one another. 

This section will explain the inclusion criteria for each 

organization and provide information about these differences.

The USFA includes firefighters in this report that died 

while on duty, became ill while on duty and later died, 

and firefighters that died within 24-hours of an emergency response or training regardless of whether the 

firefighter complained of illness while on duty or not. 

The USFA counts firefighter deaths that occur in the 

50 States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. protectorates such as Puerto Rico and Guam. Detailed inclusion 

criteria for this report appear starting on page 2 of this 

report.

For 2009, the USFA reported 90 onduty firefighter fatalities.

Firefighter Fatalities Resulting from Incidents Occurring in 2009

0

25

50

75

100

USFA NFPA NFFF

90

82 80

Organization
60

Introduction

Each year, NFPA collects data on all firefighter fatalities in the United States that resulted from injuries 

or illnesses that occurred while the victims were on 

duty. The purpose of the study is to analyze trends in 

the types of illnesses and injuries resulting in death 

that occur while firefighters are on the job. This annual census of firefighter fatalities in its current format 

dates back to 1977. (Between 1974 and 1976, NFPA 

published a study of onduty firefighter fatalities that 

was not as comprehensive.) 

What is a Firefighter?

For the purpose of the NFPA study, the term "firefighter" covers all uniformed members of organized 

fire departments, whether career, volunteer, a combination, or contract; full-time public service officers 

acting as firefighters; State and Federal government 

fire service personnel; temporary fire suppression personnel operating under official auspices of one of the 

above; and privately-employed firefighters including 

trained members of industrial or institutional fire brigades, whether full or part time.

Under this definition, the study includes, besides uniformed members of local career and volunteer fire departments, those seasonal and full-time employees of 

State and Federal agencies who have fire suppression 

responsibilities as part of their job description, prison 

inmates serving on firefighting crews, military personnel performing assigned fire suppression activities, civilian firefighters working at military installations, and 

members of industrial fire brigades. Impressed civilians would also be included if called on by the officer 

in charge of the incident to carry out specific duties. 

The NFPA study includes fatalities that occur in the 50 

States and the District of Columbia. 

What Does "On Duty" Mean?

The term "on duty" refers to being at the scene of an 

alarm, whether a fire or nonfire incident; being en 

route while responding to or returning from an alarm; 

performing other assigned duties such as training, 

maintenance, public education, inspection, investigations, court testimony and fundraising; and being on 

call, under orders or on standby duty other than at 

home or at the individual’s place of business. Fatalities 

that occur at a firefighter's home may be counted if the 

actions of the firefighter at the time of injury involved 

firefighting or rescue.

Onduty fatalities include any injury sustained in the 

line of duty that proves fatal, any illness that was incurred as a result of actions while on duty that proves 

fatal, and fatal mishaps involving nonemergency occupational hazards that occur while on duty. The types 

of injuries included in the first category are mainly 

those that occur at an incident scene, in training, or 

in accidents while responding to or returning from 

alarms. Illnesses (including heart attacks) are included 

when the exposure or onset of symptoms are tied to a 

specific incident of onduty activity. Those symptoms 

must have been in evidence while the victim was on 

duty for the fatality to be included in the study. 

Fatal injuries and illnesses are included even in cases 

where death is considerably delayed. When the onset 

of the condition and the death occur in different years, 

the incident is counted in the year of the condition’s 

onset. Medical documentation specifically tying the 

death to the specific injury is required for inclusion of 

these cases in the study.

Categories Not Included in the Study

The NFPA study does not include members of fire department auxiliaries; nonuniformed employees of fire 

departments; emergency medical technicians (EMTs) 

who are not also firefighters; chaplains; or civilian dispatchers. The study also does not include suicides as 

onduty fatalities even when the suicide occurs on fire 

department property.

The NFPA recognizes that a comprehensive study of 

firefighter onduty fatalities would include chronic illnesses (such as cardiovascular disease and certain can-
61

cers) that prove fatal and that arose from occupational 

factors. In practice, there is as yet no mechanism for 

identifying onduty fatalities that are due to illnesses 

that develop over long periods of time. This creates 

an incomplete picture when comparing occupational 

illnesses to other factors as causes of firefighter deaths. 

This is recognized as a gap the size of which cannot 

be identified at this time because of the limitations in 

tracking the exposure of firefighters to toxic environments and substances and the potential long-term effects of such exposures.

2009 Experience

In 2009, a total of 80 onduty firefighter deaths occurred in the United States, according to the NFPA inclusion criteria. 

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

In 1997, fire service leaders formulated new criteria 

to determine eligibility for inclusion on the National 

Fallen Firefighter Memorial. Line-of-duty deaths shall 

be determined by the following standards:

1. Guidelines and illnesses.

a. Deaths of firefighters meeting the Department 

of Justice’s (DOJ's) Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program guidelines, and those cases 

that appear to meet these guidelines whether or 

not PSOB staff has adjudicated the specific case 

prior to the annual National Fallen Firefighters 

Memorial Service.

b. Deaths of firefighters from injuries, heart attacks, or illnesses documented to show a direct 

link to a specific emergency incident or department-mandated training activity.

2. While PSOB guidelines cover only public safety officers, the Foundation’s criteria also include contract firefighters and firefighters employed by a 

private company, such as those in an industrial brigade, provided that the deaths meet the standards 

listed above.

3. Some specific cases will be excluded from consideration, such as deaths attributable to suicide, alcohol or substance abuse, or other gross abuses as 

specified in the PSOB guidelines.

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial was built in 

1981 in Emmitsburg, MD. The names listed there begin with those firefighters who died in the line of duty 

that year. The U.S. Congress created the National Fallen 

Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to lead a nationwide 

effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 

1992, the tax-exempt, nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor our fallen 

fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers by 

providing them with resources to rebuild their lives. 

Since 1997, the Foundation has managed the National 

Memorial Service held each October to honor the firefighters who died in the line of duty the previous year.

At the October 2010 Memorial Weekend, the Foundation will be honoring 105 firefighters who died in the 

line of duty. Of those 105 being honored, 80 died in 

2009 as the result of incidents that occurred in 2009, 

and 25 others died in previous years as the result of 

incidents that occurred in previous years. 

A number of U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps firefighter fatalities are being added to the Emmitsburg 

Memorial in 2010. These deaths occurred in previous 

years and are being added to the Memorial. The following section is a listing of the firefighters that will 

be honored by the Foundation in October of 2010.

Firefighter deaths that occurred in 2009 as the result 

of an incident that occurred in 2009:

Alabama

Michael Martin Gilbreath

Double Springs Fire Department

Arizona

Eric A. Tinkham

Queen Creek Fire Department

California

Tedmund D. Hall

Los Angeles County Fire Department

Thomas D. Marovich, Jr.

USDA Forest Service, Modoc National Forest

Arnaldo Quinones

Los Angeles County Fire Department

Continued on next page.
62

Colorado

Thomas L. Risk

Neptune Aviation Services, Inc., 

USDA Forest Service

Contractor

Brett M. Stearns

U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of 

Land Management

Little Snake Field Office

Connecticut

Charles D. Myshrall

North Coventry Volunteer Fire Department, In

Florida

Richard L. Rhea

Crawfordville Volunteer Fire Department

Robert L. Strang

Melbourne Fire Department

Georgia

Paul D. Holmes, Jr.

Douglas County Fire Department

Derek E. North

Lanier County – Stockton Fire Department

Gary D. Street

East Lake Sinclair, Hancock County Station #2

Illinois

Terrance D. Freeman, Sr.

Rockford Fire Department

John W. Jeffers

Wellington-Greer Fire Protection District

Indiana

Jimmie L. Zeeks

Marion Township Rural Fire Department

Kansas

Lyle C. Lewis

Osborne County Rural Fire District #3

Dennis M. Simmons

Stafford County Fire/EMS Department

Kentucky

Terry L. Sharon

Monterey Fire Department

c.

Louisiana

Richard R. Christiana

David Crockett Volunteer Fire Co. #2

Joseph T. Grace

Saint Tammany Fire Protection District #4,

Mandeville Fire Department

Alan M. Hermel

Bossier Parish Fire District 1

Frankie P. Nelson

Shreveport Fire Department

Maine

Debra A. Cole

South Portland Fire Department

Maryland

Charles F. Clough, Jr.

Sudlersville Fire Company, Inc.

Massachusetts

Kevin M. Kelley

Boston Fire Department

Paul J. Roberts

Beverly Fire Department

Mississippi

John D. Thurman

Clinton Fire Department

George A. Wimberly

Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department

Missouri

David V. Grass, Jr.

Ste. Genevieve Fire Department

Dale E. Haddix

Schell City Volunteer Fire Department

William R. Vorwark

Odessa Fire and Rescue Protection District

Montana

Brian J. Buss

Neptune Aviation Services, Inc., 

USDA Forest Service

Contractor

David M. Jamsa

Minuteman Aerial Application, 

Bureau of Land Management

Contractor

Continued on next page.
63

New Jersey

Manuel Rivera, Sr.

Trenton Fire Department

Gary V. Stephens

Elizabeth Fire Department

New Mexico

Michael W. Flynn

Neptune Aviation Services, Inc., 

USDA Forest Service

Contractor

New York

Jonathan S. Croom

Buffalo Fire Department

Mark B. Davis

Cape Vincent Volunteer Fire Department

Walter G. Hessling

Dix Hills Volunteer Fire Department

Richard W. Holst

Huntington Manor Fire Department

Patrick S. Joyce, Jr.

Yonkers Fire Department

Richard J. Layton

Freeport Fire Department

Charles W. McCarthy, Jr.

Buffalo Fire Department

Paul V. Warhola

Fire Department City of New York

North Carolina

Gregory C. Cooke

Salem Volunteer Fire Department

Jimmy L. Davis, Sr.

White Oak Volunteer Fire Department

Chad E. Greene

Union Cross Fire and Rescue of 

Forsyth County, Inc.

William G. Parsons

Millers Creek Volunteer Fire Department

Matthew D. Tramel

Town of Pembroke Fire Department

Ohio

Michael J. Darrington

Toledo Fire and Rescue Department

Conrad A. Mansfield

Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Department

Harold M. Sparks

U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Oklahoma

John W. Adams

Silver City Volunteer Fire Department

Christopher A. Dill

Oklahoma City Fire Department

John C. Myers

Union Chapel Volunteer Fire Department

Nolan R. Schmidt

Hydro Volunteer Fire Department

Pennsylvania

Albert G. Eberle, Jr.

Roslyn Fire Department

Gary F. Neidig, Jr.

Mount Carmel Volunteer Fire Department

Robert P. Stone, Jr.

Amity Fire and Rescue

William V. Thompson, Sr.

Dushore Fire Company #1

Roy E. Westover, Jr.

Westover Area Volunteer Fire Company

Ryan M. Wingard

Strattanville Volunteer Fire Company, No. 1

South Carolina

James E. Cameron

South Chester Fire Department

Texas

Cory J. Galloway

Kilgore Fire Department

James A. Harlow, Sr.

Houston Fire Department

Damion Jon Hobbs

Houston Fire Department

Continued on next page.
64

Cohnway M. Johnson

Houston Fire Department

Kyle W. Perkins

Kilgore Fire Department

Utah

Phillip A. Whitney

Springville Fire Department

Vermont

Kenneth E. Frizzell, Jr.

Charleston Volunteer Fire Department

John P. Horton

Marlboro Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

Virginia

Bobby Joe Mullins

Dante Volunteer Fire Department

Jeffrey H. Reed

Pulaski Fire Department

West Virginia

Johnnie H. Hammons

Craigsville-Beaver-Cottle Volunteer 

Fire Department

Timothy A. Nicholas

Craigsville-Beaver-Cottle Volunteer 

Fire Department

Wisconsin

Steven J. Koeser

St. Anna Fire Department

Dean W. Mathison

Clayton-Winchester Fire Department

Heath J. Van Handel

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

John D. Weber

Township Fire Department

deAths From previous YeArs

Arizona

Joseph Juliano

U.S. Air Force

Arkansas

Monex Thomas

U.S. Air Force

California

Patrick G. Henry

CAL-FIRE, Mendocino Unit

Matthew P. Moore

City of Murrieta Fire Department

Commonwealth of the Northern 

Mariana Islands

Ernie T. Dela Cruz

Department of Public Safety, Fire Division

Connecticut

Donald A. Trotochaud

U.S. Air Force, Laughlin Air Force Base

Florida

Michael B. Douthitt

Broward County Sheriff’s Office Department of 

Fire/Rescue

Neal Tarkington

Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department

Illinois

Kerry R. Sheridan

Troy Fire Protection District

Louisiana

Ralph P. Arabie

David Crocket Steam Fire Co. #1

Massachusetts

Vincent P. Russell

Boston Fire Department

Minnesota

Barry K. Delude

Minneapolis Fire Department

Nevada

William Hartsell

U.S. Air Force

New Mexico

Michael J. Hays

Brazos Canyon Volunteer Fire Department

Continued on next page.
65

New York

Francis T. Keane

Fire Department City of New York

Ohio

Paul W. Swander

Ohio City Fire Department

Daniel H. Yaklin

U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Air Station,

 Yuma, AZ

Tennessee

Mansell L. Hopper

Tennessee Department of Agriculture, 

Division of Forestry

Robert M. Weber

U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Air Station,

Beaufort, SC

Texas

Luis Osteen

U.S. Air Force

Ray Rangel

U.S. Air Force, Dyess Air Force Base

Virginia

Roy D. Smith III

McGaheysville Volunteer Fire Company

Washington

Eric R. Lyons

Kennewick Fire Department

Wisconsin

Thomas O’Flahrity

U.S. Air Force

Wyoming

Charles R. Kuhns

U.S. Air Force, F. E. Warren Air Force Base