January 2009 LODDs

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We start 2009 off with a NJ LODD. Another year that NJ cannot stay off of the dreaded LODD list. From the secret list:

N.J. FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY-STRUCK BY APPARATUS
It is with deep regret that we advise you that a Firefighter operating at a working fire in Elizabeth (N.J.) was killed in the Line of Duty after getting struck by fire apparatus this morning. Initial reports are the Veteran Firefighter was pinned beneath the fire apparatus, was removed, treated and transported where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. Additional information indicates that he was involved in establishing a supply line and was struck by the or another apparatus. The fire came in around 0200 hours in an abandoned house and spread to a nearby occupied house. The family of four was able to escape the fire unharmed.
We will provide an update this afternoon when it is released by the EFD.
Our deep condolences to all affected by the 1st LODD of 2009.

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Here is an update to the Elizabeth, NJ LODD. From the secret list:

As you know, Elizabeth (NJ) FF Gary Stephens died in the Line of Duty in a horribly tragic accident early this morning when he was run over by his apparatus as it backed up while establishing water. He had 28-years on the EFD. The apparatus (photo on our home page) was being driven by one of FF Stephens' longtime friends, a 25-year veteran of the EFD.
The apparatus was moving at less than 5 mph when the tragedy occurred under a bridge supporting the New Jersey Turnpike. FF Stephens was directing the vehicle with hand signals as it backed up to lay a line for the structural fires a few blocks away. FF Stephens was hit after he turned to look at the fire. As we can all just attempt to imagine, the driver of the apparatus is ``devastated.''

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FATHER & SON OKLAHOMA FIREFIGHTERS CRASH-FATHER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
2 SEPARATE VEHICLES, HEAD ON INTO EACH OTHER WHILE OPERATING AT A GRASS FIRE
NO SEAT BELTS USED IN EITHER VEHICLE
The Secret List - www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

It is with deep regret that we advise you that a Firefighter (Father) was killed in the Line of Duty, and 2 others were injured yesterday afternoon after being involved in a head-on crash with his FF Son. Some media reports are reporting that both were killed, but we can't confirm that yet.
Firefighter John C. Myers, 61, of Pittsburg (OK) was driving a Wesley FD apparatus at 1520 hours when he crashed with his son, Juston Myers, 31, of Pittsburg. The 2 were involved in fighting the grass fire and collided due to heavy smoke and poor visibility.
John C. Myers, the Firefighter/Father was trapped in the fire apparatus for over 1½ hours and was pronounced dead at the scene. Juston Myers, the Firefighter Son, was driving his pickup truck, suffered trunk and external injuries and was treated at the scene. FF Juston Myers' passenger, FF Clayton Rice, 30, was taken to a nearby hospital with head, leg and arm injuries. Seat belts were not in use in either vehicle. Initial reports are that there was so much smoke clouding the rural roads that the two never saw each other and collided head on. Updates to follow.
As always, our sincere condolences to all affected-especially the Wesley FD and the Myers Family.
Take care-BE CAREFUL. SEAT BELTS.

[hp4l]

From the secret list:

FREEPORT (Long Island, New York) ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF DIES IN THE LINE OF DUTY FOLLOWING A MUTUAL AID STRUCTURAL FIRE RESPONSE

We regret to advise you that 1st Assistant Chief Richard J. Layton of the Freeport (NY) FD died this morning following a mutual aid fire response into another community. Chief Layton had operated at the commercial building fire in the neighboring community of Baldwin and returned home after that. At approximately 0700 hours this morning, following the fire, Chief Layton had been scheduled for routine surgery, where he very sadly passed away due to a medical emergency prior to the procedure.
Our sincere condolences to all affected, especially his wife Jaime, their family members and the members of the Freeport FD.

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BOSTON FIRE LIEUTENANT KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY-APPARATUS CRASH
The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

We regret to advise you that Boston Ladder 26 struck a building just a little while ago resulting in the Line of Duty Death of their Officer and others being transported to the hospital. The rear mount aerial was returning from an emergency call when it, for an unknown reason, struck two other vehicles before going through a brick wall in front of an apartment building. The truck appeared to have come down a steep hill before it plowed through the cars, a brick wall and the building.
As always, our sincere condolences to all affected-more details to follow.

UPDATE: BOSTON FIRE LIEUTENANT KILLED IN APPARATUS CRASH:
A HERO AND A WELL KNOWN TV STAR. The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

As previously posted, very tragically yesterday, Boston Fire Lt. Kevin Kelley of Ladder Co.26 was killed in the Line of Duty in an apparatus crash involving Ladder 26. Ladder 26 is one of 23 ladders in the BFD and 1 of 8 that are 13 years or older. It is a 1995 E-One, 110' rig. Reports are that it passed its last annual safety inspection in March 2008 and an aerial inspection in September 2008. A panel will be investigating to determine how this tragedy could happen.
The apparatus went out of control on a steep side street yesterday afternoon...it went across four lanes of traffic, then through a gate and smashed into a high-rise building, killing a Lt Kelley, critically injuring another Firefighter as well as causing minor injury to the 2 FF's in the rear..
As soon as the wake and funeral arrangements are made, they will be posted here: www.bostonfirelocal718.org

LT. KEVIN KELLEY WAS WELL KNOWN AS A HERO FIRE OFFICER....AND TV STAR:
Lt. Kelley, with 30 years on BFD was married and a Dad of 3 daughters. He was a devoted family man and a reality television star (see below). Boston Firefighters Local 718 VP Richard Paris describes Lt. Kelley as a "great firefighter" and a "great father....he loved taking trips with his family....Kevin always enjoyed coming in to do his job and then going home - but not today," said Paris, who came on the job with Kelley 30 years ago. "He's not going home."

The TV Show "Firehouse USA: Boston," prominently featured Lt. Kelley...and he played a "starring" role as seen in the video clips below. The filming crew became close to Kelley and he invited them to film a backyard barbeque at his home. You can see them below.
Lt Kelley was a second-generation firefighter and one of the longest-serving firefighters in BFD...he was promoted to lieutenant in 1988. In 1997, he and other FF's received the Commissioner's Unit Citation for rescuing several adults and children from a burning building, including some rescued by ladder from balconies.

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Jan 10, 2009 9:49:02 GMT -5 hp4l said:

BOSTON FIRE LIEUTENANT KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY-APPARATUS CRASH
The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

We regret to advise you that Boston Ladder 26 struck a building just a little while ago resulting in the Line of Duty Death of their Officer and others being transported to the hospital. The rear mount aerial was returning from an emergency call when it, for an unknown reason, struck two other vehicles before going through a brick wall in front of an apartment building. The truck appeared to have come down a steep hill before it plowed through the cars, a brick wall and the building.
As always, our sincere condolences to all affected-more details to follow.

UPDATE: BOSTON FIRE LIEUTENANT KILLED IN APPARATUS CRASH:
A HERO AND A WELL KNOWN TV STAR. The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

As previously posted, very tragically yesterday, Boston Fire Lt. Kevin Kelley of Ladder Co.26 was killed in the Line of Duty in an apparatus crash involving Ladder 26. Ladder 26 is one of 23 ladders in the BFD and 1 of 8 that are 13 years or older. It is a 1995 E-One, 110' rig. Reports are that it passed its last annual safety inspection in March 2008 and an aerial inspection in September 2008. A panel will be investigating to determine how this tragedy could happen.
The apparatus went out of control on a steep side street yesterday afternoon...it went across four lanes of traffic, then through a gate and smashed into a high-rise building, killing a Lt Kelley, critically injuring another Firefighter as well as causing minor injury to the 2 FF's in the rear..
As soon as the wake and funeral arrangements are made, they will be posted here: www.bostonfirelocal718.org

LT. KEVIN KELLEY WAS WELL KNOWN AS A HERO FIRE OFFICER....AND TV STAR:
Lt. Kelley, with 30 years on BFD was married and a Dad of 3 daughters. He was a devoted family man and a reality television star (see below). Boston Firefighters Local 718 VP Richard Paris describes Lt. Kelley as a "great firefighter" and a "great father....he loved taking trips with his family....Kevin always enjoyed coming in to do his job and then going home - but not today," said Paris, who came on the job with Kelley 30 years ago. "He's not going home."

The TV Show "Firehouse USA: Boston," prominently featured Lt. Kelley...and he played a "starring" role as seen in the video clips below. The filming crew became close to Kelley and he invited them to film a backyard barbeque at his home. You can see them below.
Lt Kelley was a second-generation firefighter and one of the longest-serving firefighters in BFD...he was promoted to lieutenant in 1988. In 1997, he and other FF's received the Commissioner's Unit Citation for rescuing several adults and children from a burning building, including some rescued by ladder from balconies.

A terribly loss for the brothers at the BFD. Rest In Peace Lieutenant.

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FLORIDA FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY-ELECTROCUTED AT CRASH SCENE
The Secret List - www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Crawfordsville (FL) Fire Captain Richard Rhea, 60, very tragically died today in the Line of Duty after slipping on wet grass and falling on a downed power line at the scene of a car crash. He is the only Firefighter to have died in the line of duty in Wakulla in 35 years. Captain Rhea leaves behind a wife, four children and four grandchildren. Crawfordsville is located in Wakulla County. More details to follow.
Our most sincere condolences as always.

[hp4l]

2 TEXAS FIREFIGHTERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

It is with deep regret that we advise you that 2 Firefighters from Kilgore (Texas) were killed in the Line of Duty today after they were ejected or fell from the bucket of an aerial tower during training. Additionally, it is reported that 1 or more other Firefighters have also been injured. There are mixed reports of exactly what happened but it is clear that something went wrong causing the Firefighters deaths.
Additional details will follow.

[hp4l]

From the secret list:

A Firefighter/EMT with the Cape Vincent Volunteer Fire Department (and also with Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Squad - TIERS) in New York was shot and killed in the Line of Duty late last night. The incident occurred during an unknown type EMS call.Initial reports are that around 2330 hours on 01/30/09 (Friday night), the 25 year old male FF/EMT was shot and killed after responding to and arriving at that medical call ....but a 25 year old male suspect is also reported to be in custody. The Thouand Islands Rescue Squad was responding to an unidentified call on the corner of Broadway and Esselstyne streets in their village....the call was for a run at an apartment....and the first report that shots were fired came just before midnight Saturday (this morning). The alleged gunman was taken into custody right after the shooting. We will have more details later here as well as on our home pages.

UPDATE: NY FF/EMT SHOT AND KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

More details are coming out related to the Line of Duty Death/murder of FF/EMT Mark Davis with the Cape Vincent VFD. Last night, he and 2 other members responded for "reported chest pains" to the shooters home in Cape Vincent. The patient, Christopher Burke, 25, was charged with second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon yesterday morning.

Reports are that Burke became "agitated" as the 3 EMTs treated him at about 2358 hours Friday, and Burke retrieved a high-powered rifle from the bedroom of the residence. As the EMTs were retreating from the residence, Burke fired two rounds-one of them striking and killing FF/EMT Davis. Burke ran from the residence, and another EMT tackled Burke and held him down. EMTs at the scene of the shooting attempted life-saving measures on FF/EMT Davis, and they continued these efforts during the ambulance transport where Davis was pronounced dead.

FF/EMT Davis was employed part-time by Guilfoyle Ambulance and was very active with the Cape Vincent Fire, EMS and Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue. He was in his first year of training to become a paramedic at Jefferson Community College, in Watertown. Our sincere condolences to all affected by this senseless LODD.

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Jan 27, 2009 10:22:26 GMT -5 hp4l said:

2 TEXAS FIREFIGHTERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

It is with deep regret that we advise you that 2 Firefighters from Kilgore (Texas) were killed in the Line of Duty today after they were ejected or fell from the bucket of an aerial tower during training. Additionally, it is reported that 1 or more other Firefighters have also been injured. There are mixed reports of exactly what happened but it is clear that something went wrong causing the Firefighters deaths.
Additional details will follow.

Update from the Secret List:

UPDATE: DOUBLE FIREFIGHTER LINE OF DUTY DEATH-KILGORE, TEXAS

The investigation to determine how and why 2 Kilgore Firefighters were killed after falling from the bucket of their tower ladder has started. According to local media, the ladder truck used Jan. 25 when two firefighters fell eight stories to their deaths remains at a Kilgore fire station. According to KFD Operations Chief Gage, the Texas Municipal League, the city of Kilgore's insurer, was to inspect the truck Monday afternoon.

NIOSH reps are scheduled to study the truck and the incident to determine causes of the incident to provide prevention measures to other firefighters.
The ladder truck used Jan. 25 in the training exercise at a Kilgore College dormitory remained parked on campus through most of the past week. The Chief said it could take at least eight weeks to determine the cause of the incident that killed 45-year-old FF Kyle Perkins and 23-year-old FF Cory Galloway. 2 other firefighters, also in the ladder truck's bucket, were bruised but did not fall...the bucket is designed to carry four people or up to 750 pounds, he said.
"Safety harnesses could have helped the firefighters that day"...Chief Gage said, but were not included in the purchase deal between the city and E-One, the vehicle manufacturer. The dealer recommended that Kilgore purchase harnesses, Chief Gage added. However, city administrators claim they knew of no such recommendation about the harnesses. Chief Gage said he was unaware of any hydraulic leaks or other possible malfunctions concerning the ladder truck.

While various versions of what happened to the Firefighters and how it happened are out there, until the facts come out, this again serves as a firm reminder of the importance of being secured when possible. This is not the first time Firefighters have died in the Line of Duty from preventable falls off aerial apparatus.