Excerpts from Firehousenews.com:
At least 16 firefighters lost their lives in July while on duty. A significant number of these fatalities were linked to health-related issues such as heart disease and high blood pressure, highlighting the physical toll this profession takes on those who serve.
According to data from the United States Fire Administration (USFA), July has emerged as one of the deadliest months for firefighters in recent years. In June 2013, 25 firefighters died, including 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who perished in a tragic wildfire.
"As temperatures continue to rise, it's more important than ever for firefighters to stay alert and take care of their health," said Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters’ Foundation. "Hydration is key — studies show that even mild dehydration can lead to serious heat-related illnesses."
Firefighters experiencing symptoms like cramps, nausea, or dizziness should seek medical attention immediately. Dehydration can cause the blood to thicken, increasing the risk of severe complications. Staying properly hydrated is not just a suggestion — it's a life-saving measure.
Among those who passed away last month while serving their communities were:
- Lt. Andrew Russell, 48, Harrison Township Fire Department, MI — died on July 2 due to complications following shoulder surgery.
- Firefighter Lancy A. Crawford, 50, Plainview Volunteer Fire Department, AR — killed on July 7 when the vehicle he was driving rolled off the road.
- Firefighter Will Hawkins, 22, Nevada Bureau of Land Management — died on July 10 after a crash while checking for lightning strikes.
- Firefighter Jacob O’Malley, 27, Nevada Bureau of Land Management — also died on July 10 in a separate vehicle accident during the same mission.
- Assistant Chief Mitch Koski, 56, Montreal Fire Department, WI — swept away by floodwaters on July 11.
- Firefighter Tim McClanahan, 46, Lewes Fire Department, DE — killed on July 11 when he fell from a helicopter during hoist training.
- Chief Engineer Richard Zadorozny, 66, Eatontown Engine, Truck and Hose Co., NJ — died at home on July 11 after responding to an emergency call.
- Captain Eric Kohlbauer, 52, Freeport Rural Fire Protection District, IL — collapsed during a pump drill on July 12.
- Firefighter Joseph T. DeMarinis, 32, Clermont Fire Department, FL — passed away on July 14 after falling ill during his previous shift.
- Fire Coordinator John Scott, 71, Tioga County Bureau of Fire, NY — struck and killed on July 20 while working on a tower.
- Firefighter John Ishman, 60, Hilltop Fire Department, PA — killed on July 23 while backing up a fire truck into the station.
- Firefighter Gabriel Lee, 42, Philadelphia Fire Department — found unresponsive in the gym on July 23.
- Firefighter Ed Cosgrove, 53, Green Township Fire Protection District, MO — collapsed on July 24 while helping to put out a camper fire.
- Firefighter Charles Waterbury, 56, Orford Fire Department, NH — stricken while fighting a brush fire on July 24.
- Dozer Operator Robert O. Reagan III, 35 — killed on July 26 when his vehicle overturned while working with CAL Fire.
- Captain Michael Schultz, 47, Hoyt Fire Department, KS — died in a crash after his tanker blew a tire and overturned on July 27.
These tragic losses remind us of the dangers firefighters face daily and the importance of safety, awareness, and support for those who protect our communities.
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