Assistant Chief James Walters Sr., 57, of the Parkton Volunteer Fire Department in North Carolina has passed away in the Line of Duty. Walters was doing paperwork at the station when he collapsed. Personnel at the station immediately began CPR. Unfortunately, Chief Walters passed away at the hospital from an apparent heart attack.
Read More »LODD – West Memphis Firefighter David Eason
Firefighter Recruit David Eason, 38, died of an apparent heart attack at the Arkansas Fire Academy in East Camden, Arkansas. He was doing the hose trace evolution and went into cardiac arrest. He was a recruit for teh West Memphis Fire Department. His death occurred on January 26th. Paramedics were on scene and came to David's aid. David died at the hospital 30 minutes later.
Read More »LODD – Dixon Rural Fire Protection District Captain Leslie “Les” Clark
Captain Clark passed away after suffering a medical emergency while responding to a reported structure fire. Captain Clark was operating a tanker when he advised a crew member that he felt as if he might pass out, and then lost consciousness. The other firefighter reached over and applied the air brake to stop the vehicle. He and firefighters from the apparatus following the tanker removed Captain Clark and began CPR.
Read More »Mark Falkenhan Was the Ideal Firefighter, Paramedic, Husband, and Father
Firefighter Mark Falkenhan was overcome in flashover conditions on the third floor at a 4 alarm fire in Baltimore County. He was rescued by fellow firefighters and died at the hospital. Firefighters rescued two occupants during the fire. Mark Falkenhan was a firefighter, a paramedic, a husband, and a father.
Read More »LODD – Jim Niles: Downs, Kansas Fire Captain Dies at a Garage Fire
Fire Captain Jim Niles,59, of the Downs Fire Department in Osborne County Kansas has died after a cardiac condition while working at a garage fire. The incident occurred on Thursday. Niles had been with the department for 18 years. He leaves behind a wife, two children, and four grandchildren. The Kansas State Firefighters Association is considering this a Line of Duty Death. There is no word on this being a USFA LODD.
Read More »The Fire Critic for USFA’s Top Position
The impact of the certification standards would be huge in relation to paid and volunteer departments alike. The long term effects of this proposition could prove fruitful especially for those who like to use the word "professional" a lot! This also plays a role in line item 4 of USFA's current strategic plan " # Improve the fire and emergency services’ professional status."
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