July was a Deadly Month for Fire Service
Source Firehouse.com News
July was a deadly one for the nation’s fire service as 16 firefighters died on duty.
The majority of the deaths were due to medical issues including heart disease and hypertension.
USFA records show July as deadliest month in recent years. In June 2013, records show there were 25 firefighter deaths that included 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots killed in a wildfire.
“Firefighters need to be more cognizant and aware especially as the temperatures rise,” said Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters’ Foundation.
He stressed the importance of hydration, pointing to studies that show that firefighters who haven’t been drinking enough water are in danger of suffering serious heat-related illnesses.
Firefighters suffering cramps, nausea or light headed should seek help immediately.
“Fires are burning hotter now because of the building materials and furnishings. And, flashovers are happening more quickly.
Siarnicki also spoke about the importance of all firefighters to be aware of not only their surroundings but each other.
The major fire service organizations issued a joint statement on the issue of firefighter safety.
“…The extra weight we carry with our gear and the extreme heat we endure while battling a fire or engaging in other rescue operations, it’s not surprising that our core body temperatures increase rapidly, which can lead to devastating consequences…”
Without proper hydration, the blood thickens, studies have shown.
“…Do all you can to remain conscientious about your health, your environment and your surroundings” the statement read.
Firefighters who died last month while serving their communities include:
- Lt. Andrew Russell, 48, Harrison Township, MI Fire Dept., died July 2 of complications from shoulder surgery.
- Firefighter Lancy A. Crawford 50, Plainview AR Vol. Fire Dept. was killed July 7 when the rig he was driving veered off the road and rolled.
- Firefighter Will Hawkins, 22, NV Bureau of Land Management, was killed July 10 in a vehicle crash while checking for lightning strikes.
- Firefighter Jacob O’Malley, 27, NV Bureau of Land Management, was killed July 10 in a vehicle crash while checking for lightning strikes.
- Assistant Chief Mitch Koski, 56, of Montreal, WI Fire Dept., died July 11 when his vehicle was swept away by high water.
- Firefighter Tim McClanahan, 46, of Lewes, DE Fire Dept. was killed July 11 when he fell from a helicopter during hoist training.
- Chief Engineer Richard Zadorozny, 66, of Eatontown, NJ Engine, Truck and Hose Co., died July 11 at home several hours after responding to an emergency.
- Capt. Eric Kohlbauer, 52, of Freeport, IL Rural Fire Protection District, died July 12 after collapsing earlier during a pump drill.
- Firefighter Joseph T. DeMarinis, 32, of Clermont, FL Fire Dept., died July 14 after suffering an illness during his previous shift.
- Fire Coordinator John Scott, 71, of Tioga, NY County Bureau of Fire, was struck and killed July 20 while working on a tower.
- Firefighter John Ishman, 60, of Hilltop, PA Fire Dept., was struck and killed July 23 while he was helping to back a rig into the firehouse.
- Firefighter Gabriel Lee, 42, of Philadelphia Fire Dept., was found unresponsive July 23 in the gym in the firehouse.
- Firefighter Ed Cosgrove, 53, of Green Township, MO Fire Protection District, collapsed July 24 while helping to extinguish a camper fire.
- Firefighter Charles Waterbury, 56, of Orford, NH Fire Dept., was stricken July 24 while fighting a brush fire.
- Dozer Operator Robert O. Reagan III, 35, was killed July 26 when his vehicle overturned while he was working on contract for CAL Fire.
- Capt. Michael Schultz, 47, with Hoyt, KS Fire Dept., was killed July 27 in a crash after the tanker he was driving blew a tire and overturned.
