Wisconsin Fire Chief Dies of Embolism at Meeting

HEATHER CASPI
Firehouse.Com News 8-19-05

North Prairie, Wisconsin firefighters are mourning the loss of their chief and mentor after he suffered a pulmonary embolism and died during a meeting August 11, 2005.

Chief Edwin Berg, 67, had volunteered with the North Prairie Fire Department for 22 years.

"He was more like a father to the members than a chief," said Assistant Chief Brian Taylor. "He always made sure everyone was taken care of... he was just a generous, generous man."

Berg had been on leave from the department for the past four months after being diagnosed with both lung and liver cancer, Taylor said. He was successfully battling the lung cancer with chemotherapy and was optimistic about his recovery.

The chief was representing the fire department at a North Prairie Village Board meeting when he became ill.

"Prior to that meeting he talked to the police and fire commission about coming back part time to take over some of his administrative duties," Taylor said. "He looked good, felt great, and just had a coughing attack at the meeting. He came back spitting up blood and went to the floor, and that's when they called us."

Berg's fellow firefighters responded, including two who were already present at the meeting as Village Board members.

Berg is survived by four children, including a son and a daughter who are on the fire department.

Before he joined the department, Berg and his late wife, Cynthia, were co-owners of Genesee Floral Gardens, his daughter told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. A fire closed the business in the mid-1980s, sparking Berg's passion for the fire department.

Berg was also a retired machinist, and worked part time at the Garden Center at Walmart.

He was also a member of the Waukesha County Fire Chief's association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

"He has touched all of our lives," Taylor said.

About 27 fire departments attended the funeral service and the after-service dinner at the fire department on August 18.

Services were held at the Reformation Lutheran Evangelical Church in Genesee, Wisconsin.

Memorials may be made to any of the following organizations: North Prairie Fire Department at 108 East Oakridge Drive, Box 296, North Prairie, Wisconsin 53153; Reformation Lutheran Evangelical Church in Genesee, Wisconsin; or the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (http://www.chw.org).

Non Trauma LODD: Detroit Firefighter Dies In the Line of Duty

BEN WEINSTEIN
Firehouse.Com News

A 21-year veteran of the Detroit Fire Department died of a heart attack while on duty Sunday.

Sgt. Rodney N. English, 48, collapsed while doing administrative work at Detroit’s Engine 1 station house, 111 W. Montcalm St.

A department member revived English before emergency crews arrived to transport him to an area hospital, according to IAFF Local 344. English died en route to the hospital.

"He was a very good firefighter, excellent person," Detroit Fire Department Lt. Melvin White said. White, who had worked with English for 15 years, said the death came as a surprise because English kept in good shape and didn’t smoke or drink alcohol. A union representative said English had regular physical examinations and showed no indications of heart problems.

"He was always happy, never had anything bad to say about anybody," White said, adding that English was smart, fun and giving.

When off duty, English was active in his church and community. He was a regular at Rosedale Park Baptist Church, and he ran a golf program for children.

"He was my hero," Rosedale Park Baptist Church deacon Roy Harlin said. "I always considered him the soldier I’d want to go into war with."

English is survived by his wife and three children, ages 10, 16 and 18.

SOUTH DAKOTA FIREFIGHTER DIES FROM HEART ATTACK

Volunteer Firefighter Donald DeVries was bailing hay on his property on July 17 near Belvidere in the south-central part of the state, when the hay bailer started to burn and spread to the dried hay. He called his home and told his family to call for the fire department. When the fire department arrived, he had already extinguished the fire. The fire department investigated.

While conversing with members of the department afterwards, DeVries collapsed. He was transported to Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip where he was pronounced dead.

DeVries, 50 was a member of the Belvidere Fire Department under Chief Francis Osborn. He is survived by his wife Dana and three married daughters. He graduated with a degree in court reporting, but nothing could keep him from his love for ranching. In addition to ranching, he also loved breeding and raising quarter horses, as well as flying.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 20, at the Kadoka Auditorium. Funeral services were July 21 at the Kadoka City Auditorium. Interment was in the Belvidere Cemetery.

Pinetop, AZ Firefighter Dies In Her Sleep

June 23rd, 1972 - June 24th, 2005

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Firefighter Valeree Claude. Roll call has been taken and Firefighter Claude has failed to answer. The bell has been struck for her last alarm. May the sun shine upon her path, may the winds always be at her back and may the Lord hold her in the palm of his hand until we meet again. God Bless Valeree, we will miss you.

The Pinetop Fire Department is sad to announce the death of one of our firefighters, Valeree Claude. Valeree, age 33, died unexpectedly in her sleep on June 24th while on duty at Pinetop Fire Station 2, which is located at 5976 Bucksprings Road. Valeree began her employment as a Reserve Firefighter with the Pinetop Fire Department on March 7, 2003 and was hired as a full-time Firefighter on July 1, 2003. Valeree was well liked and respected as one of the department's fitness instructors and a member of the Pinetop Fire Department's Wellness committee. Valeree is survived by her husband Travis, children Chance and Chandler, along with her immediate family.

Long Island Firefighter Dies From Heart Attack After Calls

Firehouse.Com News

A New York firefighter suffered a heart attack and died in the line of duty on June 28, 2005, the U.S. Fire Administration has announced.

Volunteer Firefighter John Husser, 55, served the Rockville Centre Fire Department in Rockville Centre, NY for 35 years.

According to the USFA, Husser died at home within 24 hours after being released from duty and having responded to several incidents.

Funeral services were held at 9:00 a.m. on July 2, 2005 at the Mackens Funeral Home in Rockville Centre.

Fire department officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Further information will be posted as it becomes available.

Ossining NY Firefighter Dies in Line of Duty

Ossining Fire Chief Mauro Santucci recently announced the line of duty death of Ossining Firefighter William McAnally.

Firefighter McAnally died suddenly while marching in a fireman's parade in Yorktown on June 22, 2005. He was 64 years old.

"Mac" was born in Tarrytown on October 28, 1940 to William & Bessie Johnson McAnally. He enlisted in the Air Force shortly after graduating and served proudly for 4 years.

Mac married Jeanette McLean April 1, 1967. He worked at Reader's Digest for 32 years.

Mac was a communicant of Ann's Church where he served as an usher and Finance Chairman of the Festival Committee for many years. Mac was very active in St. Ann's School.

He was a longtime member of the Ossining Fire Department, Fire Police Rescue 14, for 41 years where he served in all ranks including Captain. He was also a Fire Commissioner and on the Building Committee for the new building.

Mac is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughters Colleen, (Alan) Jones, Janet (Edward) White, grandchildren Tanner, Braden, Grayson, Liam, Ethan, Declan and sisters Mildred Gessler, Frances (Richard) Palmer, Norma & Jackie McAnally, brother-in-law William (Gail) McLean, sisters-in-law Joan McLean, Maureen Sutherland, Ethel Shelley and many nieces and nephews and all of his Fire Department family.

Calling hours for the fire service will begin at 6:00 P .M. on Sunday June 26, 2005 at the Leach and Thomas Funeral Home, located at 32 State St. Ossining, N.Y. Fire Department Personnel are encouraged to park in the Spring and Main St. lots and walk over to the funeral home.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, June 27, 2005 at the Saint Ann's Church located on Eastern Ave, Ossining, New York. All Fire Department Personnel are asked to assemble at the Ossining High School lot located on Wolden Road, Ossining, New York. The rite of committal with full fire service honors will be held via a procession from Saint Ann's Church to the Saint Augustine's Cemetary located on Hawkes Avenue, in Ossining.

Firefighters and Police motorcycles from accross Westchester are expected to participate in the service.

Chief Santucci also requested that all department's attending PLEASE attempt to car pool or use some means of mass transportation. Any department's attending are requested to reply with an estimate as to the number of members by calling (914) 941-0215 and leave a message.

Members of the Ossining community can leave a condolence for Firefighter "MAC" McAnally on Leach & Thomas' website.

Hempstead, L.I.N.Y. firefighters lose comrade

BY CHRISTINE ARMARIO
STAFF WRITER

June 14, 2005

Hempstead firefighters rushing to the home of a 54-year-old man reported to be experiencing a heart attack made a harrowing discovery when they arrived: The injured man was one of their own.
Second Assistant Chief Scott Clark unsuccessfully tried to resuscitate his fellow firefighter, James O'Neil, as O'Neil's wife and nephew looked on.
"I have a job to do, this is what my steps are," Clark said as he recounted what was racing through his head during the ordeal. "I did what my training told me."
An ambulance arrived and transported O'Neil to Mercy Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 7:52 a.m., Chief Roger Faulk said.
"It didn't work out," Clark said. "He's going to be missed."
O'Neil had been a firefighter with the department for 32 years. He worked his way up to captain, but in later years became the fire truck driver for the department, Faulk said.
"He was a book of knowledge," Faulk said. "At any time, he would take the time to teach anybody what they wanted to know."
Faulk said O'Neil was the one who taught him how to "size the fires," assessing a fire and determining how to put it out before even arriving at the scene.
"He was a jokester, fun-loving," Faulk said. "The greatest guy you could ever be around."
Faulk said O'Neil had complained of feeling sick at 1 a.m. yesterday morning, when the department responded to a report of a car fire. But O'Neil dismissed the pain as indigestion and went home to sleep.
When he woke up, O'Neil told his wife, Lynn, that he was not feeling well and went into the bathroom. She later found him there, unconscious.
While Lynn O'Neil called the fire department, their nephew, John Occiphinti, also a firefighter, began administering CPR, Clark said.
"I didn't put the address together with the call until I pulled up in front of the house," Clark said. "I meet his nephew... says uncle is in cardiac arrest."
The O'Neil family could not be reached for comment.
The Hempstead Fire Department is planning a memorial service for O'Neil at 8 p.m. Thursday at Williams Funeral Home, 181 Greenwich St. The funeral will be held there at 10 a.m. Friday.

NC Firefighter Michael T Childress Dies While on FD StandBy

May 7, 2005
Firefighter Michael T Childress of the Level Cross FD in Randolph County NC was found unconscious and not breathing in his bed Saturday morning. FF Childress was volunteering to stand by while the rest of the department participated in a live fire training exercise with Randleman FD. Upon the discovery, life saving efforts started immediately and patient care was transferred to Randolph County EMS upon arrival. Paramedics pronounced FF Childress dead at the scene under the direction of medical control. FF Childress is survived by his wife Teresa and daughter April. He was one of the first three 24 hour full time paid staff hired at Level Cross FD this year.

Chief Joel Morgan

It is with deep regret that the Officer's and Firefighter's of the Neptune Fire Company announce the untimely passing of Chief Joel Morgan. Joel was a member of the fire company for 31 years, serving the past 8 years as Chief. He also served as Assistant Chief, Engineer, President and Vice President. Joel was also a member of the Lebanon County Fireman's Association, Lebanon County Chief's Association, Goodwill of Myerstown and Newmanstown Fire Companies. Joel was employed by the Pennsylvania Tunrnpike Commission as an Equipment Operator, and served in the United States Navy for 4 years, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. Joel is survived by his two daughters and 2 brothers.

Funeral Information
Viewing: Sunday May 8th from 5 to 8 PM at Clauser's Funeral Home; N. Locust Street in Schaefferstown
Funeral: Tuesday May 10th; Viewing to be held 9-10am. Funeral to be held at 10am at the Richland Church of the Brethren, 215 S. Race St Richland, with internment at Ft. Indiantown Gap.
Any Fire Company wishing information should e-mail the Fire Company.

http://www.neptunefire.com/

North Carolina Assistant Chief Dies at Fire Station

HEATHER CASPI
Firehouse.Com News

A North Carolina assistant fire chief passed away Saturday, May 7th while on duty at the fire station.

Assistant Chief Mike Childress, of the Level Cross Volunteer Fire Department in Randolph County, died after an apparent heart attack, members said. He was discovered by his daughter and fellow firefighters.

He was 47 years old.

Childress served the department as a full time, paid firefighter, and became the first member of the department to die in the line of duty. The department has a total of about 30 volunteer and full time members.

Further details will be provided when they become available.

"He was just a really good man and he's going to be missed so much," said an unofficial department spokesperson. "We're all one big family and we're taking it so hard."

According to FireNews.net, a web site for North Carolina's fire service, the arrangements are as follows:

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 10, 2005 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 600 South Main Street, Randleman, NC 27317-2020.

The funeral will be Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 6103 NC Highway 22, Climax, NC 27233-9144.

NJ FIREFIGHTER DIES OF STROKE WHILE IN FUNERAL PROCESSION

Date: May 4th, 2005
Ref: Line of Duty Death / James Michael Ratcliffe
Dear Family and Friends,

It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of Former Chief James Michael Ratcliffe, a 40-year active duty member of the Metuchen Fire Department. Mike, as he was known to friends and family, passed away Tuesday, May 3rd, 2005, as a result of complications following a hemorrhagic stroke, suffered while on duty, Monday, April 11th, 2005. Mike was 62 years old.

At the time of his accident, Mike was operating Metuchen Engine 4 in a funeral procession containing all Metuchen Fire Apparatus and available members, paying last respects to a Retired Former Chief. That day he was also one of the pallbearers chosen for that honor.

In addition to holding the coveted title of Former Chief, Mike remained one of the Departments most active members and was currently serving as the Department Safety Officer, Secretary of the Relief Association and Vice President of the Washington Hose Co.

It has been confirmed through the NJ Division of Fire Safety that because Mike's accident occurred while on duty in a department-sanctioned function and while he was operating Fire Department apparatus as assigned, his passing is a Line of Duty Death.

It is the desire of the Metuchen Fire Department, it's members and the residents of Metuchen that Mike be afforded all the appropriate honors and respect he deserves.

Viewing: Monday, May 9th
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Costello Runyon Funeral Home
568 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen
Phone: (732) 548-0149

Funeral: Tuesday, May 10th

9:00 AM - Family & Close Friends
Costello Runyon Funeral Home
9:00 AM

10:15 AM - St. Francis Cathedral / Mass
Main Street, Metuchen
10:15 AM

All those attending the funeral are welcome to join the family and friends back at the firehouse afterwards. Please RSVP to ROBDONMFD@aol.com or call the Chief's cell phone at (732) 558-7834 if your department will be sending members or apparatus.

Calif. LODD Notification - Captain Greg M. Otto, IAFF L3523-San Luis Obispo, CA

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Captain Greg M. Otto of IAFF Local 3523-San Luis Obispo, California. Brother Otto died on Saturday, March 26, 2005 from occupational pancreatic cancer. He was laid to rest this morning.

26-Year-Old Texas Firefighter Dies After Completing Overtime Shift

Father of Three Suffered Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm

HEATHER CASPI
Firehouse.Com News 4-2-04

A Texas firefighter died in the line of duty March 30th after completing an overtime shift and suffering a dissecting aortic aneurysm.
Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon Scott Phillips, 26, had served the Keller Fire Department for three years.
He responded to multiple calls during an overtime shift on March 29th, reported the U.S. Fire Administration. Two hours after completing the overtime shift, he suffered a dissecting aortic aneurysm, a split in the inner lining of the aorta.
Phillips was transported to the local hospital where the aneurysm was diagnosed, and then airlifted to a Dallas hospital where he died during emergency surgery to repair the aneurysm.
He leaves behind his wife Denise and three children, ages 4, 2 and seven months.
"He was just a young, bright individual," said Lt. Jackie McCaig. "He was very dedicated to the fire service and the citizens he was protecting, and was a dedicated father."
McCaig said Phillips was also an avid bike rider and outdoorsman.
"He was one of those guys who always had a smile on his face and was a pleasure to be around," he said.
This is the department's first line of duty death. McCaig said the tragedy has illustrated that the fire department truly is a family.
"When something like this happens, you see that actually is the case," he said. He said the department has also received an overwhelming amount of support from other agencies and people in the community.
The department has 36 line personnel and a total of 42 employees working out of two fire stations, to serve a population of 33,000 over 18 square miles.
Family visitation will take place Saturday, April 2, 2005 from 4-6 p.m. at the Lucas Funeral Home, 137 Hill Street, Keller, Texas.
A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, April 3, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the Northwood Church, 1870 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller, Texas. The Graveside Service will follow at Bourland Cemetery, 901 Bourland Road.
Agencies wishing to participate in the funeral procession please contact Jim McDonald, Procession Officer, no later than Noon Sunday, April 3, 2005 for staging instructions at 817.743.4499.
Contributions may be made to the Brandon Phillips Memorial Fund, C/o Wells Fargo Bank, 1000 Keller Parkway, Keller, Texas.

37 y.o. FLORIDA FIREFIGHTERS DIES OF HEART ATTACK

2-21-05-It is with regret that I am notifying you that Senior Forest Ranger Henry Hobbs (Jacksonville District) died this past Monday shortly after going off duty from cardiovascular related problems. He was 37 years old and leaves a wife (Peggy). Hobbs had responded to two wildfires on Monday and complained of some pain and a burning sensation in his chest just prior to going off duty. He collapsed at home and was pronounced dead at Shands Hospital.

Cards may be sent to Mrs. Henry (Peggy) Hobbs, P.O. Box 989, Callahan, Florida 32011

Benedict, Nebraska Firefighter Dies in Line of Duty-Heart Attack

Feb 27, 2005 Courtesy of The York News Times

BENEDICT -- For what may be the first time in York County history, a firefighter has died in the line of duty.

According to information from York Fire Chief Kevin Stuhr representing York County Mutual Aid, Michael Aunkst, 45, of Benedict, died early Sunday morning after having an apparent heart attack while working at the scene of a fire in rural Gresham.

Stuhr explained that Waco, Benedict and Gresham crews were dispatched to a barn fire at 1910 Road 24, at approximately 12:20 a.m. While responding to the fire, Aunkst suffered a heart attack and was transported by the Gresham crew to Highway 81 where they were met by York Advanced Life Support. Together, the two squads transferred Aunkst to York General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Members of local mutual aid have provided a round-the-clock vigil since the time of his death, with a firefighter remaining with the body at all times until interment, Stuhr said, as is protocol when a firefighter dies in this manner.

NEBRASKA FIREFIGHTER DIES AT BARN FIRE-HEART ATTACK

Line of Duty Death notice of Firefighter Michael A. Aunkst. Michael died Sunday
shortly after arriving to fight a barn fire in rural Gresham. Our thoughts
and prayers are with the Aunkst family and Benedict Volunteer Firefighters.

Metz Mortuary
York, NE 68467
(402) 362-3351

Michael A. Aunkst, age 45, Benedict Volunteer Firefighter, died Sunday,
February 27, 2005 at York. He was born September 6, 1959 at Wabash, IN to
John Thomas and Helen (McPherson) Aunkst. Michael attended Bradshaw High
School and a year at Peru State College. He was married to Teresa Schall
at Benedict on February 15, 1997. Michael was a former longtime employee
of Champion Home Builders of York and was currently working at Even Temp
at Waco and Valentino’s Pizza at York. He was a longtime member of the
Benedict Volunteer Fire Department and enjoyed working at athletic events
at Benedict School.
Michael is survived by his wife Teresa, his daughter Liza and his stepson
Dustin Welch all at home in Benedict; his mother Helen Aunkst of Aztec,
NM; 10 brothers and sisters and numerous other relatives.

46 Year Old Garfield Firefighter Dies of Heart Attack

Sunday, February 13, 2005

By ALEX NUSSBAUM
STAFF WRITER

A veteran Garfield (New Jersey) firefighter died of a heart attack on Saturday, collapsing after helping to evacuate a home struck by a natural gas leak.
Angelo Petta, 46, died Saturday evening at Passaic Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic, stunning firefighters who remembered him as an energetic, easygoing fixture of the department.

"Everybody's down," said John Keating Jr., captain of Garfield's Fire Company No. 3, where he and Petta had volunteered together for 18 years.

"He loved being a firefighter," Keating said. "We just recently had taken in a bunch of younger guys, new guys in the company, and they looked up to him. He was like a pied piper."

Petta, the company's chief engineer, is survived by his wife, Dominica, and two young children, George and Joseph.

The call of a natural gas leak at 43 Garwood Court South came in around 6:20 p.m. The location was around the corner from the Garwood Court home that Petta had recently purchased. He immediately responded to the neighboring home, Keating said.

"He was evacuating residents from the first floor of the building, trying to ventilate it a little bit," he said. "He came out, he started talking to one of my sergeants ... and he just dropped."

No one else was injured, said city Fire Chief Michael Latona, who said Petta had seemed to be in good health.

Petta worked as a truck-driver for the city's Department of Public Works. Only days ago, he had been looking forward to the summer, talking about getting his back yard ready, Keating recalled.

"He was very outgoing," Keating said. "If he didn't know your name, he would know you by the end of the night. He's the kind of guy that would go right up to a stranger and strike up a conversation with anyone that wanted to talk."

New Jersey Firefighter Dies of Heart Attack On Job

RUSSELL J. DINNAGE
Firehouse.Com News 2-11-05

Firefighter William Pierce, 51, of the Ogdensburg, New Jersey Fire Department died Thursday afternoon after complaining of feeling ill while working the scene of a fully involved mobile home fire in Ogdensburg, according to Fire Chief Mark Batty.

"He was operating a hand line with another firefighter and reported feeling ill, so we called in for a first aid squad," Batty said. "We suspect he had a coronary condition, but there was no prior history of heart problems with him whatsoever."

Pierce was taken to a local hospital and later died.

"He was a real down to earth guy, he loved the fire service and was a big hydraulics enthusiast," Batty said. "He loved his family, never drank, never smoked, he was the type of person I think everyone should try and be."

A native of Ogdensburg, Pierce was a firefighter with the department for 26 years. He was also a firefighter with the Hardston, New Jersey department. He served as Fire Chief for both departments, and had just recently stepped down from the leadership position with the Ogdensburg department.

He is survived by a wife, two sons, and a mother.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Firefighter dies in the line of duty-Heart Attack

Times Herald-Record

New Paltz – It turned out it wasn't even a fire that brought Todd Smith to fire No. 2 late Sunday morning. The report of a suspected house fire turned out to be steam escaping into the cool morning air.
A common enough occurrence in the life of a volunteer firefighter. Something to shrug off and forget about.
Smith never got the chance.
According to fire Chief Patrick Koch, it appears that Smith arrived at the empty substation shortly before noon, got out of his black Ford Ranger pickup and entered the building, intent on catching a ride to the scene with the next fire truck. He suffered a heart attack inside the building.
A passer-by in a car noticed his body in the half-opened doorway of the building. 911 was called, but it was too late. Todd Smith was declared dead at 12:25 p.m., the first firefighter to die in the line of duty in the history of the New Paltz department.
Todd Smith was 31 years old. He had been a member of the department since July. Before that, Koch said he was a volunteer with the Bloomington and Stone Ridge fire departments.
His death hit his colleagues in New Paltz with the force of a collapsing building.
"I'm heartbroken," a weary-looking Koch said yesterday.
What kind of guy was he?
"You gave him an assignment, he did it," Koch said.
Compounding the sense of loss was the utter shock of Smith's death. No one expects a man of 31 to die of a heart attack. Not someone who seemed as fit and strong as Smith, someone who offered his strength to people in need without question or reserve.
"He was a big, strapping guy," said Bob Clark, vice president of the 60-member department. "I'd seen him only the day before, he looked fine" he said, his voice still tinged with incredulity.
Reportedly, Smith's family had a history of heart problems. According to Koch, Smith was not married. New Paltz police Chief Ray Zappone said his next of kin lived out of state.
Yesterday, the Ford pickup was still parked in front of the substation on the lonely intersection of North Putt Corner and Henry W. DuBois roads. It was a few yards from the steel doorway where Smith had collapsed.
On the driver's seat were a pen and notebook. The truck's corrugated plastic bed was neatly swept clean. In the space behind the driver's seat, Todd Smith's fire gear lay in a twisted black jumble.

Firefighter Returns Home After Near Fatal Massive Heart Attack

By JOHN MCMULLAN/Item Staff Writer
Saturday, February 5, 2005 5:34 PM CST

BANKS RETURNS -- Firefighter Chris Banks returned home Friday following treatment for a massive heart attack. (Photo by John McMullan)
CARRIERE - A convoy of fire trucks streamed down U.S. 11 to the Carriere Fire Station Friday to welcome home Pearl River County firefighter Chris Banks, who spent 56 days in the hospital and rehab recovering from a massive heart attack.

Friends and well-wishers lined up on both sides of the highway as the convoy rolled to the station. A group of Pearl River Central High School students chanted Banks' name as he exited a truck and a crowd soon formed to shake his hand and welcome him home.

Banks' wife, Eileen, said her husband was shocked when he saw the line of fire trucks that met them just outside of Pearl River County as he was being taken home.

"He said, 'I'm just not believing this,'" she said.

Pearl River County Fire Coordinator Bobby Strahan said it was the first time in the history of the county that area fire departments used a convoy to bring home a living firefighter.

Banks, an assistant chief and 16-year veteran of the Carriere Volunteer Fire Department and a nine-year veteran of the Picayune Fire Department, walked into the station with the aid of a walking cane and sat down at a table, where he again was surrounded by family and friends.

Banks was attending training classes in Meridian on Dec. 9 when he began experiencing chest pains and collapsed. Firefighters revived him twice and performed CPR until an ambulance arrived.

He spent several weeks at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center before being moved to a rehabilitation center just before his release.

Banks said he could not believe the outpouring of support from the community.

"I'm just overwhelmed. I just can't say enough," he said. "A lot of support and a lot people's prayers."

During his hospital stay, county residents held a benefit Showdeo at the Pearl River County Fairgrounds in Poplarville and opened a benefit account to help with medical expenses.

Banks will go into outpatient rehabilitation for a few months and utlimately hopes to return to work.

While he was hospitalized, Banks and three other Picayune firefighters were recognized by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution for their efforts in rescuing a girl from an apartment after she was kidnapped. He also received the Carriere Volunteer Fire Department's Firefighter of the Year award.

Picayune Fire Chief Keith Brown said he was glad to see Banks home.

"I'm just as happy as can be," he said. "We've finally got him back home."

UPSTATE NY ASST CHIEF DIES OF HEART ATTACK AT FIRE SCENE

1-23-05 Capital News 9
The snow, wind and freezing temperatures made things tough for firefighters in Rensselaer Sunday morning, and one of them was hospitalized after suffering cardiac arrest. He was declared dead Sunday afternoon.

The fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. on Ash Street between 8th and 9th streets.

The fully involved fire started in a two-car garage. Fire officials said most of the hydrants in the area were frozen. The Rensselaer Fire Department called in backup from East Greenbush, Defreestville and Clinton Heights. Those departments rushed to the scene with tanks of water.

Rensselaer Assistant Fire Chief Mike Falkowski was suffered a fatal heart attack during the blaze, and the owner of the garage was treated for burns.

Mike Mann of the Rensselaer Fire Department said, "We ran into trouble right away with four or five frozen hydrants. The fire extended to the adjoining garage. We had a burn victim -- the owner of the first garage. We had a problem treating him. And then we found out the assistant chief had collapsed with a heart attack."

Falkowski was taken to Albany Memorial Hospital. Fire officials said the stressful conditions and cold weather may have contributed to his heart attack.

Seaford (Delaware) firefighter hospitalized

By ROBIN BROWN / The News Journal
01/17/2005

An unidentified Seaford firefighter was hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital after suffering a possible heart attack while fighting a house fire, fire officials said.

The firefighter was among volunteers from Seaford Fire Company who, with help from the Blades Fire Company, put out a house fire early Sunday in the 900 block of Park Drive in Heritage Village near Seaford.

The two-story, wood-frame home and attached garage were fully involved in the blaze when firefighters arrived, said Richard R. Ward, assistant state fire marshal.

The owners and their two children were awakened at 3 a.m. by smoke detectors and got out of the house without injury.

Investigators determined the fire began in the garage and was caused by an electrical malfunction, Ward said. Damage was estimated at $70,000.

Authorities did not release details of what the injured firefighter was doing at the time he was stricken by what Ward called a "possible heart attack."

The firefighter's condition was not available Sunday night.

North Carolina Firefighter Dies After Attending Class

01-13-2005
From Firehouse.com News

Firefighter Robert Dewey Martin, 26, of The Bostic Volunteer Fire Department, died January 9 after attending a strenuous EMT training class.

According to Bostic Volunteer Fire Department Chief Randy Jolley, Martin attended an EMT class on Saturday, January 8, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. “He was practicing patient assessment which involved lifting and moving patients.” Martin went home after class, and was not complaining of any discomfort. Chief Jolley said. “He woke his wife up at 6 a.m. the following morning, gasping for air. She called 911, and performed mouth to mouth.” He was transported to a local hospital where he died. The official cause of death has yet to be determined.

Firefighter Martin was remembered fondly by his co-workers. Chief Jolley described him as, “a real hard worker, a dedicated firefighter and family man.” He had been a firefighter since he was 18, and with The Bostic Volunteer Fire Department since March 2003.

Firefighter Martin was buried January 12. He is survived by his wife Daisy and their two children.

Toronto Fire Fighters Passes

We regret to inform you that on Sunday, January 9, 2005, Acting Captain Rick Curry passed away suddenly at home of a heart attack. Acting Captain Rick Curry was 49 years of age and had 22 years and 2 months of service. Rick started with the former Toronto Fire Department and last worked at Station 331, "C" Platoon in South Command.

Visitation is at the Skwarchuk Funeral Home, 30 Simcoe Street, Bradford, Ontario, on Tuesday, January 11, 2005, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Holland March Christian Reform Church, 18935 Dufferin Street (R.R. #2), Newmarket, Ontario.

Discussions are still ongoing with the family to determine the type funeral.

John Jones
Chair, Ceremonial & Bereavement-Toronto Fire Fighters Staff

Firefighter stricken at blaze in Heights

Wednesday, December 01, 2004
A Jersey City firefighter was carried from a burning building in the Heights and rushed to the hospital after suffering chest pains while searching the three-story building for victims Monday, Capt. Andrew Johnson said.

Capt. Todd Spiotta remained at the Jersey City Medical Center last night, where he is undergoing tests, Johnson said. The blaze in the wood-frame building left two families homeless.

When firefighters arrived at the burning six-family building, on Griffith Street off Summit Avenue, at 8:37 p.m., they found fire blowing out its second-floor windows and spreading to the top floor, Johnson said.

A second alarm was called immediately in response to reports there were people stuck in the building, Johnson said. Spiotta and other firefighters searched the building and determined everyone had gotten out before Spiotta had chest pains and was carried out, Johnson said.

Firefighter dies from injuries sustained 2 years ago

THELMA GRIMES

News-Sun 11-21-04

St. David Volunteer Firefighter Thomas C. Baker, 54, died Friday, Nov. 19, due to complications from a heart attack and stroke he suffered while responding to a fire call two years ago.

Baker's wife, Joy, said her husband responded to a structure fire on Feb. 24, 2002, when he had a heart attack and then a major stroke.

"He lived for the fire department," Joy said. "That was his true love, along with the community of St. David. He gave everything he had to the community of St. David."

Joy said Baker was completely disabled from the stroke he had suffered but had always hoped to return to duty at the fire department. Besides firefighting, Baker was also the department engineer.

St. David Volunteer Fire Chief Shawna Gephart said Baker will be missed.

"He was a great asset to the entire fire department," Gephart said. "He was always there when we needed somebody. He rarely complained and would do anything for you. He was just an all-around great guy."

Besides serving on the fire department for more than four years, Baker also volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program for senior citizens in Benson and the St. David Commodities Food Bank.

Joy said she is going to miss her husband's sense of humor the most.

"He was a lot of fun to be around," Joy said. "He always loved to joke around and always had that cute smile on his face."

His wife, two younger brothers, a daughter, a son and grandchildren survive Baker.

His mother and father and a younger sister preceded him in death.

A graveside memorial has been set for Saturday, Nov. 27, at 3:30 p.m., at the St. David Cemetery.

Kansas Battalion Chief Dies On Duty

Thanks to HEATHER CASPI from Firehouse.Com News
11-22-04

An administrative battalion chief with the Wichita Fire Department died on Monday, November 15 while working in his office.

Donald Kersting, 47, served the fire department for 27 years, said Capt. Ron Aaron.

"He was very intelligent and had a sharp sense of humor," Aaron said. "He always smiled and was always optimistic." Kersting was also very healthy and active, Aaron said. He had been serving in an administrative capacity for just two years and previously served as a battalion chief in the field. He was also a volunteer member at his hometown fire department, Butler County Fire District #8 in Douglass.

Aaron said Kersting's death has hit the department very hard. "These kinds of deaths are the deaths that you don't see coming," he said. Kersting went through his morning routine last Monday with no problems, Aaron said. He was then alone in his office for about 10 minutes when colleagues found him slumped at his desk. The cause of death is yet to be determined. After Kersting was stricken, colleagues responded with basic life support and an AED, and transported him to St. Francis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 10 a.m.

Kersting is survived by his wife Laura - his high school sweetheart - and their six children. Two of the children are in the military and the others are in high school and college, Aaron said. He added that Kersting's children were his main focus in life. He said Kersting was always active in the community, volunteering with high school football games and other events.

The Wichita, Kansas Fire Department has 388 members operating out of 18 fire stations, covering over 130 square miles of Wichita and Sedgwick County. A funeral service was held last Friday, November 19 at Central Community Church in Wichita. A memorial has been established with Butler County Fire District #8 at P.O. Box 37 in Douglass, Kansas 67039.

Missouri Firefighter Dies of Heart Attack

Captain Edward Schnauss, 54, of Morrison, Missouri died of a heart attack Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004 while working on one of the fire trucks in the firehouse. He was a 25-year veteran of the Morrison Volunteer Fire Department and a military veteran of the Vietnam War, according to Susan Cole of Shield 24/7. Earlier in the afternoon of Nov. 13 Schnauss left home for the firehouse to change the oil on one of the fire trucks and to perform some minor mechanical repairs. Around 9 p.m. he suffered a heart attack while underneath the truck.

Off-duty Firefighter Dies In House Fire-No Smoke Detector

November 16, 2004

CHITTENANGO, N.Y. -- An 18-year-old off-duty volunteer firefighter died Tuesday in an early morning house blaze, authorities said.

Jeff Shetler was pulled from the burning home by fellow members of the Chittenango Fire Department. He was taken by ambulance to University Hospital where he died, said Chittenango Fire Chief Mike Sudol. Shetler was asleep in an upstairs bedroom when the fire began shortly after 8 a.m. His parents had left for work and there was no smoke detector to wake him, according to fire investigators. Shetler graduated from firefighter training last month and recently joined the department. The cause is under investigation, but fire investigators believe an electrical problem on the first floor may be to blame. Chittenango is 14 miles east of Syracuse.

Ute, Iowa Firefighter Dies on Duty

11/06/2004

60-year old Don Carlson, a dedicated firefighter is now gone. It was Tuesday night when the Ute Fire Department got called to a pick-up roll over just out of town. The truck Don was in got about a block from the station when...

"The driver of the van noticed that Don was leaning up against the door and he looked at him and about that time he just dropped right inside the stepwell of the van," says Ute Fire Chief, Ron Aldlangenfeld.
But it was probably already too late because Carlson had suffered a severe heart attack. He had served on the Ute Fire Department for 19 years. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

By MARIA HEGSTAD
Thursday, November 4, 2004

A Maryland judge decided Wednesday that his court can try the reckless boating case of Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton volunteer firefighter Roger E. Donais Jr.

The issue of jurisdiction has been likely the largest issue in the death of another OWL volunteer, probationary firefighter Elisa Escalante, 20, who died when the fireboat Donais was driving struck an unlit marker in the water near Leesylvania State Park.

Wednesday, Donais' attorneys tried to argue that Charles County, Md., didn't have jurisdiction over the case.

In February, the same argument was successful with a Prince William Circuit Court judge who ruled that Donais couldn't be tried for manslaughter and reckless boating in the county. The accident occurred in Maryland waters, and Prince William authorities had no jurisdiction, Prince William Circuit Court Judge Richard B. Potter decided.

"Just because of the decision of a Virginia judge does not mean this is a Maryland case," defense attorney James N. Papirmeister argued. "This is not a matter of us trying to have it both ways. We are entitled to rights and one of those rights is the burden of proof."

Assistant State's Attorney Shara Hendler insisted Maryland did have jurisdiction, in part because of a December 2003 U.S. Supreme Court ruling granting all of the Potomac River to Maryland and in part because Prince William Circuit Court had decided it had no jurisdiction.

"As most of us here in Charles County have always known, Maryland owns the Potomac," Hendler said. "This happened somewhere. It didn't happen in the dark zone."

After Wednesday's trial, Elisa Escalante's family expressed frustration and confusion with the decision. Her father, Antonio Escalante, said he felt uncomfortable to be in court and didn't understand why his daughter's case had been moved to Maryland. Will Escalante, Elisa Escalante's older brother, was not impressed with the Maryland prosecutor, whom he viewed as unprepared to deal with the case.

"That's why I had to get out [of the courtroom] I couldn't breathe in there," Will Escalante said.

Though Donais, 36, was charged with reckless boating and manslaughter in Prince William, he is charged only with reckless boating in Charles County. Prosecutor Hendler declined to comment Wednesday on why Charles County prosecutors hadn't charged Donais with manslaughter.

Virginia Escalante said tearfully that she didn't understand why her daughter was so little mentioned during the long day in court.

"I don't understand why they are only talking about the boat. Only one time have they mentioned Ellie Escalante," Virginia Escalante said. "Every day for me is so hard. … He's broken my heart."

Testimony Wednesday revolved around OWL fireboat number two, a 22-foot Boston Whaler. Pictures entered into the court's record show a jagged 12-foot gash torn in the boat's hull. Witnesses described the boat's maintenance, the capabilities of its twin 150-horsepower diesel engines and the estimated speed of the boat when it struck Potomac River Fisheries Commission marker V15B. The marker is unlit, a slightly dented metal sign attached to a rusting metal pole.

Papirmeister argued that people commonly strike markers, lit and unlit in the area, and that the collisions can be dangerous. He questioned prosecution witnesses about such statements from other experienced river men, and routinely pointed out Donais' 10-year record with the fire department and that Donais is a decorated Navy veteran.

Game warden Sgt. Randy Grower explained how he investigated the crash scene and calculated that fireboat two had been traveling at an estimated minimum speed of 36 mph. The calculations involved recovery of a cleat from the river bottom, found 90 feet from the marker. From this distance, Grower explained how he estimated the boat's speed at impact. Defense attorney Papirmeister vigorously questioned Grower's calculations.

Papirmeister argued that Grower wasn't sufficiently trained to perform a crash reconstruction or speed calculation. He argued Grower should have calculated boat speed from other items thrown from the boat, and that the cleat could have arrived at its location when the fireboat was towed away, or by tidal movement. Papirmeister also suggested the cleat was not necessarily from the fireboat.

Grower said he matched the cleat to a hole in the fireboat's prow. He said it was only slightly possible that the cleat arrived at the location where Prince William police divers found it after the boat was towed away, instead of resulting from the hull shattering on impact.

Assistant OWL Chief Jonathan Covey said it was normal to fully throttle the boat to bring it into "plane up" position, normally used for cruising the river. Covey said it was not standard practice for the OWL department to patrol the river with the throttle fully open, but when responding to the accident, he had sped to the scene with the throttle fully open.

Stewart Young, 25, the other passenger in the boat the night of the crash, testified that he, Donais, and Young's then-girlfriend, Escalante, left the OWL boat slip in the late afternoon of July 4, 2003. Donais piloted the boat, Young said. They traveled to Mattawoman Creek, then to Dogue Creek to watch the fireworks at Fort Belvoir. Shortly before midnight, the fireboat struck a marker.

Upon impact, Young and Escalante were thrown from the boat. Young survived with a broken wrist. Donais suffered head injuries and cracked his pelvis. Escalante died of blunt force trauma to the head. Diluigi said that when he interviewed Donais in July 2003, he didn't remember the accident at all.

"The last thing he remembered was he saw Stewart in the water yelling for Ellie," Diluigi said.

The prosecution rested its case late Wednesday. Papirmeister asked Judge Richard A. Cooper to strike the evidence and drop the charge, arguing the prosecution had presented insufficient evidence that Donais acted recklessly. But Cooper ruled that Maryland law only required prosecutors to prove Donais acted in a manner that would endanger others or their property, and that sufficient evidence had been shown to continue the case.

The remainder of the trial is being delayed by a full court schedule. A date has yet to be set.

Assistant Fire Chief, Lewis R. McNally, age 42

It is with regret that the death of assistant fire chief, Lewis R. McNally, age 42, of the Newmanstown Volunteer Fire Company, Lebanon County is announce.

Assistant fire chief McNally suffered an apparent heart attack upon returning to the station after responding to a motor vehicle accident call on Monday morning, November 1, 2004. He was a one year member of the Newmanstown Volunteer Fire Company and was a prior member of the Lancaster Bureau of Fire.

He is survived by his wife, Rosalind, sons David, age 17, and Jonathan, age 13, and daughter Tamay, age 16.

Funeral arrangements at this time are incomplete and will be announced when available.

Rose Marie Thompson
Office of the State Fire Commissioner
2605 Interstate Drive
Harrisburg PA 17110-9364
Telephone: 717-651-2201
Fax: 717-651-2210
Website: www.osfc@state.pa.us

FIREFIGHTER HEALTH LINKS:

HEATHER CASPI
Firehouse.Com News, 10-20-04

A Missouri deputy chief died in the line of duty Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest at a firehouse meeting. Deputy Chief Mark A. Parrish served the Normandy Fire Protection District in St. Louis County, Missouri for 26 years, until collapsing Wednesday at the fire station. Fellow firefighters immediately began resuscitation efforts and transported him to DePaul Hospital in St. Louis.

Capt. Tom Harwin, who worked with Parrish for 24 years, said he was off duty at the time and began his 100-mile commute to the fire station immediately after hearing about the cardiac arrest. Between the firefighters and then the hospital staff, "They worked him almost the entire time I was en route," Harwin said. "They did everything they could."

Parrish is survived by a sister and two brothers. He is best remembered by his colleagues for his dedication to service.

"He lived, breathed and ate the fire department. That was his life," Harwin said. Parrish was also extremely active in other community services, Harwin said, particularly charities for muscular dystrophy and the families of fallen firefighters and police officers.

"Every day that he was off shift duty, he was doing something else with the fire department or a charitable organization," Harwin said.

Parrish was also well known as a trainer, and taught at the county, state and federal level about new Homeland Security issues for the fire service, Harwin said.

The Normandy Fire Protection District serves 18 municipalities in an urban area bordering the city of St. Louis, and has 28 career firefighters. This is their first line of duty death since the department was established in 1949. Harwin called the shock of Parrish's death a kick in the pants.

"He was in good shape and good health. You would have thought he would be the last person for this to happen to. It's pretty devastating."

Service arrangements are pending.

Asst. Fire Chief dies while on standby for Okauchee blaze

Journal Sentinel

Posted: Oct. 7, 2004

Okauchee Photo/William Meyer Two firefighters pump water into a former church/school complex in Okauchee on Thursday that was being redeveloped as senior housing. Photo/William Meyer Kenny Christenson of the Ashippun Fire Department sprays across the street to keep the fire from spreading. More than 14 fire departments fought the blaze.

Town of Oconomowoc - Authorities suspect a spark from a welder started the $5 million blaze Thursday that sent flames racing through a former church complex being transformed into a senior housing project.

An assistant fire chief died while on standby for the fire at the North Lake Fire Department station, and one construction worker in the building where the fire originated was treated for smoke inhalation.

Assistant Fire Chief Mike Kilpatrick, 58, who had been with the department about 30 years, died of a heart attack Thursday afternoon, said his brother-in-law, Bob Fleming.

"Firefighting was his whole life," Fleming said. "He was happy in life."

Kilpatrick had retired last year from the Naga-Waukee Golf Club in the Town of Delafield, where he was head of maintenance, Fleming said.

Welding spark suspected

Earlier at the fire scene in the unincorporated community of Okauchee, town Police Chief John Roelandts said a preliminary investigation revealed that a welder working on the third floor of the planned 18-unit condominium structure, formerly the church's school building, probably produced a spark causing plywood to catch fire.

The welder had left the building to get gas, and a worker with him left for the basement to gather materials, Roelandts said. Both returned to find the building on fire.

Firefighters arrived about 11:30 a.m. to find the second and third floors of that building engulfed in flames. No one was inside when firefighters arrived, Okauchee Fire Department Chief Ron Stock said.

"When we got here the heat was so hot we could hardly stand by our fire engine," he said.

More than 14 departments from Waukesha and Dodge counties responded to the fire. They used an estimated 500,000 gallons of water, hauled to the scene in tanker trucks, Stock said.

The fire jumped from the old school area to the adjacent former church building, slated to be a community center and theater for the housing complex. A third building, which used to be a rectory, also was struck by the blaze.

Developers had planned to demolish that building and construct 39 condominium units in its place starting this fall.

Fire fought from on high

Firefighters climbed atop a convenience store across the street to make sure no burning embers that flew from the blaze started new fires.

Other firefighters fought the fire from aerial ladders. Water splattered from the caved-in roof of the blackened former school building and arched front of the old church.

People strolled around the perimeters of the site, sometimes wiping a sooty mist from their brows. Smoke mixed with the bright sun, creating a haze.

All three buildings were a total loss, except that Stock said workers may try to save the walls of the former St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on busy Wisconsin Ave. near the shore of Florence Lake.

An owner of the development company building the 57 condominium units expressed grief as he talked about the time and money he had invested in the project for the past two years.

"To see it go up in flames in a matter of minutes is devastating," said Jim Jendusa, an owner of Mission Lakes of Hartland, which was weeks away from completing the first phase of the independent housing complex for seniors. Most units in that phase had been sold.

"I was shocked when I saw the smoke," said Janet Callahan, who used to attend the church and had watched the baptisms of her son and three grandchildren there.

"It was a historical monument," she said.

Oconomowoc Lake Police Chief Donald Wiemer said the church was dedicated in 1923. About 30 Catholic clergy took part in services at the church on that day, he said.

A local Realtor, Irene Boschuetz, had been tracking the progress of the developing housing project. "It was so well done," she said.

Mission Lakes owners said their plans involved little renovation to the former church. They noted that other developers who had proposed projects for the site had planned to tear it down.

One of Mission Lakes' owners, Tim Michelic, said he didn't know whether any of the church can be salvaged. "My heart's broken," he said. Still, Mission Lakes plans to rebuild the project there.

Looking at what remained of the building he had helped remodel, Keith Grandin said he was late to work that day. Had he been there earlier, said Grandin, who had been installing ceilings, he probably would have lost many of his tools.

He was sad to see a building he worked on go up in flames.

"It was a big job for me," he said.

Story by The Pittsburgh Channel

ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. 9/25/04-- A firefighter who had been helping with the flood cleanup in Etna has died. According to fire officials, John Brenckle served as a fire police captain at the Berkley Hills Fire Company in Ross Township. The flag at the fire station was flying at half-staff on Friday night as members met to plan Brenckle's funeral. Brenckle's family said he died Thursday night after a wound on his leg apparently became infected after coming in contact with bacteria from floodwater. A family member said that Brenckle was a diabetic and that may have contributed to his death too.

UPDATE: Coroner: Death not from flood

ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. 9/28/04-- The Sept. 23 death of Ross Fire Police President John Brenckle stemmed from natural causes and was not a direct result of the previous week's flooding, the Allegheny County Coroner's Office said Monday.

Reports initially suggested that John Brenckle, 57, of Ross, died after a leg wound grew infected after he helped with flood cleanup in Etna. Coroner's officials said yesterday that Brenckle died of heart problems compounded by diabetes and said his death was not considered flood-related. The coroner's office declined to perform an autopsy after Brenckle's death was determined to have stemmed from natural causes. Bill Linkenheimer Jr., vice president of Ross Fire police, said Brenckle was president of fire police for 24 years and built the organization into a respected and capable department. "It's because of his dedication, motivation and leadership that we have what we have today," Linkenheimer said.

Linkenheimer said he could not comment on the circumstances of Brenckle's death because of department policies.

EPHRAIM, WI FIREFIGHTER DIES DURING CALL

Bill Weborg, 43, apparently killed by heart attack

By Paul Brinkmann
Press-Gazette Door County bureau pbrinkmann@greenbaypressgazette.com

EPHRAIM — Friends, family and fellow firefighters are remembering Bill Weborg as a “salt of the earth” guy who put his community first.

Weborg, 43, Ephraim’s assistant fire chief, died Sunday apparently of a heart attack as he responded to a call. A large funeral is planned for Thursday.

“I hate to use cliches, but he truly was the kind of guy that would do anything for you or for his family,” Sister Bay Fire Chief Chris Hecht said. “He was very involved in the department, as a baseball coach and scouting leader, real salt of the earth.”

Weborg and his father, Ephraim Fire Chief Niles Weborg, were responding to a call about 11 a.m. Sunday for a boat fire at Fish Creek Marina.

The chief found his son collapsed in a van as they prepared to leave. The elder Weborg’s efforts to revive his son were not successful. Bill Weborg had been a firefighter for 25 years.

News of Weborg’s death traveled quickly around the firefighting community. Dozens of firefighters from Door County and around the state are expected for funeral services at Sister Bay’s First Baptist Church. The Milwaukee Fire Department is sending a veteran of their honor guard to help coordinate a procession to the cemetery at Ephraim Moravian Church.

Hecht said many firefighters in Door County are shocked and saddened by the death and will be offering to help Ephraim handle emergency calls.

Fellow firefighter John Cox of Ephraim said Weborg thought nothing of responding to calls at any hour to help people.

“He was giving of himself when he went down. That’s what it really boils down to,” Cox said.

Weborg and his wife, Teresa Weborg, had three children.

NEW JERSEY RESCUE MEMBER COLLAPSES AT SCENE

Firehouse.Com News-9/20/04

Paramus, NJ Mayor James J. Tedesco and Rescue Chief John P. Pecoraro have reported the death of William Jim Lightbody, 46, a member of the Paramus Rescue Squad.

Lightbody, a seven-year veteran of the department, succumbed to a heart attack while returning from a motor vehicle entrapment call on the Garden State Parkway. He was treated at the scene by fellow rescue members, Paramus Police, members of the Paramus Fire Department, and paramedics from Valley Hospital and the Paramus Ambulance Corp. He was taken by ambulance to Valley Hospital where he passed away a short time later.

Jim Lightbody was appointed to the Paramus Rescue Squad on July 26,

1997 and was assigned to Rescue 9. He was a past Secretary and Treasurer of the Paramus Rescue Association. He was also a life-member of the HoHoKus Volunteer Ambulance Corp. and a past member of the Greenwood Lake, New York Fire Department.

Lightbody, a resident of the Borough of Paramus, is survived by his wife Paula, son Michael, 19 who is also a member of the Paramus Rescue Squad, his two daughters, Suzanne, 7, Sarah, 4, and his sister Janet.

He is the first Paramus Rescue Squad member to die in the line of duty in the department’s 52-year history. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.