Double LODD in Bryan, Texas – Lt. Eric Wallace Killed in Collapse. Lt. Gregory Pickard Died in the Burn Unit.

Update:

Lt. Gregory Pickard has succumb to his injuries he sustained while attempting to rescue Lt. Eric Wallace in last nights fire in Bryan, Tx. Lt. Wallace died in the fire. Lt. Pickard died in the burn unit. Two other firefighters remain in the hospital.

Lt. Gregory Pickard (left) and Lt. Eric Wallace, Bryan Fire frDepartment.

From FirefighterCloseCalls.com:

54-year-old Lieutenant Gregory Pickard (32 years on the job) and 36-year-old Lieutenant Eric Wallace (13 years) have both lost their lives in what we have been told was an attempt to save other Firefighters.  30-year-old FF Ricky Mantey Jr. and 21-year-old FF Mitchel Moran remain in the hospital in stable condition. At some point Lt. Wallace’s team went into the structure, but was ordered to evacuate. Wallace didn’t come out and he called for help, saying he was low on air. Firefighters found Wallace, a 13-year veteran, inside and early reports indicated Wallace became trapped when a portion of the roof reportedly collapsed.

FUNERAL DETAILS FOR LT. WALLACE:
Funeral arrangements for Lt. Eric Wallace have just been set as follows. The funeral will be Thursday, Feb. 21, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Bryan. The funeral procession will immediately follow the funeral service with burial at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Marlin, Texas. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home in Marlin. Much more to follow.

Earlier Coverage:

Lt. Eric Wallace died late last night at a fire in the Knights of Columbus Hall in Bryan, Texas. The hall is located at the 1500 block of Groesbeck Dr. Firefighters were called out around 11:20 p.m. Friday.

Three firefighters were also injured in the fire including Lt. Greg Pickard, 54; Firefighter Ricky Mantey Jr., 30; and Probationary Firefighter Mitch Moran, 21. They were transported to the hospital for injuries.

Lt. Eric Wallace, Bryan Fire Department

Wallace had been a member of the department for 13 years. He is survived by his wife, Brandi, and five children.

Links for more information and coverage:

Press Release from the Bryan FD

Bryan firefighters responded to a major commercial structural fire at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1500 Groesbeck Street in Bryan at approximately 11:20 p.m., February 15.

Fire Lieutenant Eric Wallace, age 36, died in the line of duty.  Three other firefighters were injured in the blaze and have been transported to burn units in other locations.  Those three are Lieutenant Gregory W. Pickard, age 54, Firefighter Ricky D. Mantey, Jr., age 30, and Probationary Firefighter Mitchel S. Moran, age 21.

Fire officials report that a passerby saw the fire and called 9-1-1.  Several Bryan units responded.   College Station Fire Department helped secure the site after the Bryan firefighters were injured.

Bryan Fire Chief Randy McGregor said in a press conference at 6:00 a.m. that the State Fire Marshal’s Office will investigate the incident to determine the cause of the fire.  It is reported that no activities were occurring in the KC Hall when the fire was reported to 9-1-1.  Since the cause of the fire is under investigation, details cannot be released at this time.

Chief McGregor said, “There are no words to express our grief at the loss of Eric and our concern for Greg, Ricky and Mitch, and their families.  These four courageous individuals represent the best of the profession and are true heroes in every sense of the word. “

Lt. Wallace protected the citizens of Bryan for almost 13 years with the Bryan Fire Department.  He is survived by his wife, Brandi, and five children.  Pickard, Mantey and Moran have served 32 years, 5 years, and 10 months, respectively, with the Bryan Fire Department.

The City of Bryan family appreciates the support of our neighbors in College Station and surrounding Volunteer Fire Departments.  We would ask that the privacy of these brave men and their families be respected at this difficult time.

Funeral arrangements for Lt. Wallace are pending.