We regret to inform the fire service community of a Line of Duty Death that occurred early this morning in Greene County. At 2:36 AM Assistant Fire Chief Stanley Martin Jr. of the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department responded as an apparatus operator to the scene of a structure fire at 71 Peachtree Lane, Eutaw, AL.  Following suppression activities, Asst. Chief Martin began to complain of shortness of breath.  Fire Chief George Henderson called for an ambulance, but prior to its arrival, Asst. Chief Martin stopped breathing and resuscitation was initiated by on scene personnel.  He was transported to Greene County Hospital but medical efforts were unsuccessful. He was 71 years of age.

LODD representatives from the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs/Alabama Fire College are working to support the family and Springfield Volunteer Fire Department. Funeral arrangements are pending and the family welcomes local responders to attend in fire service uniforms. More information will follow as it becomes available.

It is with regret that we note the passing of Firefighter Dale Scott Queen of the Oak Ridge Volunteer Fire Department in Morgan County.  Firefighter Queen became ill while one an emergency run and subsequently passed away a short time later at Decatur General Hospital.  Firefighter Queen is survived by his wife Elizabeth, and their sons, Tanner, 14; Dakota 13; and Avery, 9.

Peck Funeral Home in is handling the arrangements.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday, May 3, from 1800-2100.  The funeral with firefighter honors will be held Saturday, May 4th, at 1300. at the funeral home.  Any department wishing to have apparatus in the procession are welcomed to form up at the Hartselle High School Stadium (Sparkman Drive) by 1230 on Saturday.

Our sincere condolences to the family and to the Oak Ridge Fire Department.

http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/firefighter-dies-on-the-job-in-morgan-county/article_f1051820-b2df-11e2-8566-0019bb30f31a.html

West, Texas Firefighter and EMS Fallen Hero Fund

In light of the tragic event in West, Texas, on Wednesday and in cooperation with local support efforts, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has established a national fund to accept monetary donations to assist the survivors and coworkers of the fire and EMS personnel who died in the line of duty. Checks can be mailed to:

NFFF c/o West, Texas Fire and EMS Fallen Hero Fund

P.O. Drawer 498

Emmitsburg, MD 21727.

Donations also can be made by credit card at www.firehero.org.  All donated funds will be used to assist the survivors and coworkers to rebuild their lives and support the programs and services they will need.

“This fire and explosion have devastated the entire town in which so many people know and care about each other,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. “We want to ensure the survivors and coworkers of those who died in the line of duty know that the entire fire service family is holding them in our hearts and doing all we can to offer support.”

As a result of the blast, the station along with the apparatus, equipment and turn-out gear were destroyed or badly damaged. If you would like to donate these items, please send a message with your contact information to http://www.firehero.org/contact/ and the Foundation will share this with the West, Texas department.

Take a few moments out of your day today to remember the missing firefighters from West, Texas.  Details are sketchy at the moment, but it looks like a portion of the fire department made the ultimate sacrifice.