May 2008 LODDs

[hp4l]

This month's first LODD is still in question as to whether or not it is a LODD. I know a similar situation happened in PA a couple years ago and I believe it was determined not to be one. I personally feel that it should be a LODD so here's the post, regardless of the outcome. From the secret list:

While naturally, no one can yet determine if it will be declared federally as an official LODD, we have been advised that a Fire Explorer in West Haven (CT) was killed after he was struck by an SUV, as he was going to a car crash run on Monday. The Fire Explorer was 14 year old Ralph Russo of West Haven.
(See TV video links below)

Russo was riding his bike with a friend when they reportedly headed to a dispatched car crash, when Russo was tragically struck by a Jeep. Efforts to save his life were not successful and he died from his injuries. Russo was a middle school student and a part of the Fire Explorer program in West Haven. The SUV driver involved was obeying all traffic laws and is not facing any charges.

This appears to be a very tragic accident involving a fine and wonderful community minded teenager who loved many things-including his role at the WHFD. And while the issue of LODD/non-LODD is an emotional one, you will remember the case of Junior Firefighter Chris Kangas from Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, who lost his life in what appears to be a similar fashion, just a few years ago. That claim as an LODD was denied by PSOB...but has been challenged and is now in the hands of the Courts. Here are some details: brookhavenfireco.com/custom.html?id=1143

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Here's an EMS LODD from the secret list.

University of Wisconsin Hospital personnel are confirming that 3 people have died when a UW Med Flight hospital helicopter crashed near La Crosse last night. Med Flight left Madison around 2030 last night to transport a patient to a La Crosse hospital. After dropping the patient off, the helicopter left around 2230 hours. There was no other radio communication from the crew. The last message was a software signal sending confirmation that the aircraft took off. The crash site was found around 0845 this morning about 4 to 5 miles away from the area airport. Preliminary results show that the helicopter may have struck a hill or trees. Details to follow later. Our condolences to all affected.

[hp4l]

From the secret list:

We have been advised that Firefighter Tyler Casey of Seneca, Missouri has succumbed to his injuries and has died in the Line of Duty. Firefighter Casey was critically injured while assisting his community during the storms and subsequent tornadoes in Newton County on Saturday evening.
No funeral details have been finalized, but we shall pass that along as soon as we know. Our sincere condolences to Firefighter Casey’s family and friends.
These tornados are responsible for inuring over 200 people and killing at least 22 folks in three states so far. At least 15 deaths occurred in southwestern Missouri, in Oklahoma at least six people were killed, and at least one person died during the storms in Georgia.

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From the secret list:

And Birmingham (AL) Fire Captain Mixon has died in the Line of Duty. Captain Mixon was on duty the morning of Monday, May 12th, when he took ill and left for home at approximately 1230 hrs. Captain Mixon went to the doctor with upper respiratory type symptoms and after being examined returned to his residence. Captain Mixon suffered a CVA at approximately 0030hrs on Tuesday morning the 13th and was transported to the hospital where unfortunately he passed away later in the day. Our condolences to all affected.

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From the secret list:

We regret advising you that Aston-Beechwood (PA) Chief Ray "Rocky" Eusden (57), who was working on his FD apparatus this past Monday, had a medical emergency...went to and sat down in his office where he told another FF that he felt weak and couldn't speak. The officer immediately summoned the paramedics in the station where he was transported to Crozer Chester Medical Center with stroke like symptoms. Chief Eusden later succumbed to his illness a day later. Chief Eusden was a member of ABFC for 41 years and was the Fire Chief. Chief Eusden would have celebrated his 58th birthday this coming Memorial Day.

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2 LODDs from the secret list:

INDIANA: Eaton, Indiana FF Jay Maddy has died in the Line of Duty. Firefighter Maddy and the Eaton VFD had responded to numerous arson fires since Wednesday evening -- 21 in less than 24 hours. A curfew was imposed and a "fire watch" was established but a few hours after operating at the fires, Firefighter Maddy was taken to a hospital with chest pains and he died a few hours later. Firefighter Maddy was 41 years old and is survived by his wife and two sons -- ages 14 and 15.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
NOTE-We have also been advised that 2 suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the series of fires. Eaton is approximately 50 miles northeast of Indianapolis.

PENNSYLVANIA: An duty 46 year old City of Pittsburgh Firefighter was found DOA, and died in the Line of Duty while on duty at 12 engine house this morning. The cause of death is undetermined at this time. The Firefighter-reported to be on watch-was found by a returning unit and pronounced dead at the scene. Our condolences to all affected in both the PA & IN LODD's.

[hp4l]

I'm a little lat e with this one. From the secret list:

On Saturday, (5-31-08) at Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training, after conducting live burn evolutions for the day, a 28 year old Firefighter was found in cardiac arrest in the bathroom of the training center around 1800 hours. CPR was immediately initiated once he was found, but tragically, he was pronounced at the hospital around 1900 hours. Initial details are that a group of Firefighters had been participating in live burns for their FF-1 certification under the direction of staff from OSU-FST. Instructors had been taking frequent breaks because of the heat and closely monitoring student conditions throughout the day. Our sincere sympathies go out to all affected.