All articles tagged with #line of duty death
The U.S. Senate has passed the Honor Our Fallen Heroes Act, recognizing occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death for firefighters, with President Trump expected to sign it into law, marking a significant bipartisan achievement supported by the IAFF.
Parole Agent Joshua Byrd was shot and killed in an Oakland parole office, marking the first line-of-duty death for CDCR since 2018. A suspect has been detained, and flags are flown at half-staff in his honor. Byrd, 40, served since 2014 and leaves a wife and three children.
Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins was fatally shot while responding to a call about an armed suspect leaving a bank, marking the first line-of-duty death in the suburb in 86 years. The suspect, who was also injured, is in custody. Reddins, a five-year veteran and a "natural leader," leaves behind his family, including a 19-year-old son. The police department and community are mourning his loss.
North Carolina fire captain Ronnie Metcalf has tragically passed away from injuries sustained while responding to a house fire, where he suffered burns on 60% of his body. The 19-year veteran of the Lexington Fire Department was pronounced dead on Friday, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Florida Highway Patrol trooper Zachary Fink was killed in a crash on Interstate 95 in St. Lucie County while attempting to apprehend a fleeing suspect, resulting in a line-of-duty death. The suspect, driving recklessly, caused a collision with an 18-wheeler before fleeing the scene on foot, leading to a manhunt and eventual apprehension.
John Norris, the chief of Forest Bend Fire Department in Webster, Texas, passed away after suffering a heart attack at home following his response to a large structure fire in Friendswood. Norris had been a part of the department for 18 years and had previously served in the Houston Fire Department for 32 years. His death may be classified as a line-of-duty death, and an inquiry is being conducted. Norris is survived by his wife, Wendy, who is also a member of the fire department. Other fire departments are stepping in to allow Forest Bend firefighters to grieve.
Lt. Kevin Ward, a Chicago firefighter who was seriously injured while responding to a residential fire in Norwood Park earlier this month, has passed away at the age of 59. Ward had been transported to the hospital along with two other firefighters after the August 11 fire. His condition had initially stabilized, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. This marks the Chicago Fire Department's first line-of-duty death since April, and Mayor Brandon Johnson has called on the city to remember Ward and support his family during this difficult time.
Lt. Jeffrey Norman, a 20-year veteran of the Memphis Fire Department, was killed while battling a house fire in South Memphis. Three other firefighters were injured and hospitalized after being trapped inside the burning house. The incident has led to an outpouring of grief and support for the affected families and the Memphis Fire Department.
Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron Smith was killed while attempting to stop a stolen vehicle in Indianapolis. Smith was placing stop sticks on the road when he was struck and thrown into the air. Multiple individuals in the fleeing car were also taken to the hospital but are expected to survive. This is the second line-of-duty death for the Indiana State Police this year. A criminal investigation is underway.
Indiana State Police trooper Aaron Smith was killed while attempting to stop a stolen vehicle on Ronald Reagan Parkway in southwest Indianapolis. Smith was struck and thrown into the air while placing stop sticks. Multiple individuals in the fleeing car were also taken to the hospital but are expected to survive. Smith, who had been with the Indiana State Police for five years, is survived by his wife. This is the second line-of-duty death for the Indiana State Police this year. A criminal investigation is underway.
Irmo Fire District mourns the loss of Firefighter James Michael Muller, who died in the line of duty while responding to a fire at Tropical Ridge Apartments in Columbia. Muller was a highly respected firefighter who had been with the department for seven years. The building collapsed while they were inside working the fire, and multiple firefighters were trapped inside. Seven firefighters were taken to the hospital, and two residents were rescued. A memorial service for Muller will be planned, and the town will work closely with IFD and the City of Columbia to provide necessary support to his family.
James Muller, a 25-year-old firefighter with the Irmo Fire District, died in the line of duty after being trapped inside a Columbia apartment that collapsed during a fire. Six other firefighters were injured and taken to the hospital. Two residents were rescued and taken to the hospital, while 19 people were displaced. Muller recently graduated from the Officer Academy in March and was described as a caring husband, father, and fireman. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy Brett Harris has died from injuries sustained in a traffic collision. Deputy Harris, 26, suffered major injuries, including a catastrophic brain injury, in a crash on Friday, May 12 in San Jacinto. The crash is still under investigation. Deputy Harris was assigned to the Hemet's Sheriff's Station. He is survived his wife, mother and father, twin sister, and brother. Deputy Harris' organs will be donated, as per his wishes. Funeral arrangements will be announced when available.
The body of fallen Deptford Township Police Department Officer Robert "Bobby" Shisler was escorted back to New Jersey on Tuesday. Officer Shisler was shot in the line of duty on March 10 and passed away on Sunday. The 27-year-old officer is survived by his parents, brother, and sister. Funeral arrangements are still being finalized.