INDIANA FIRE CHIEF – COLLAPSES AT FIRE SCENE
NEW JERSEY FIREFIGHTER FOUND ENTANGLED IN LADDER
The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
It is with deep regret we notify you of the line-of-duty death of Brookston Prairie Township (Indiana) Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Payne and former Chief Fred Stewart of West Milford, NJ.
INDIANA:
Chief Michael Payne and members of his department responded to a truck fire on Interstate-65 north of Lafayette just after midnight last night. After the fire was extinguished, Chief Payne collapsed from an apparent heart attack. Resuscitation efforts were initiated and he was transported to Indiana University Hospital – Lafayette where those efforts continued. Chief Payne died at approximately 1:45 A.M. (Eastern).
Chief Payne was 58 years old and is survived by an adult daughter. He had served with the department for over 25 years. Funeral arrangements are pending and details will be posted at www.SupportingHeroes.com
NEW JERSEY
On November 6, Former Chief and current active Firefighter Alfred A. Stewart reported to the firehouse for a company drill with West Milford Volunteer Fire Company #6. He remained alone at the station to perform maintenance duties while other company members attended the drill.
At some point, Chief Stewart ascended a ladder inside the station for these maintenance duties. When fire department personnel returned from the drill, they found Chief Stewart entangled in the fallen ladder. Despite lifesaving efforts, Chief Stewart was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. It is unknown whether Chief Stewart suffered a medical emergency while atop the ladder and then fell, or if the ladder had fallen while he was on it, causing his trauma. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of Chief Stewart’s death.
Our condolences to all those affected. Rest in Peace.
DO YOU BELONG TO THE IAFC?
If so, your assistance is needed by adding yourself as a member of the firefighter Safety health and Survival Section. There are numerous projects being worked on related to firefighter survival and your involvement in encouraged and needed. To add your membership to the SHS, please call Member Services toll free at 866-385-9110 or email [email protected]. If you are not an IAFC member (you DO NOT have to be a chief) please also reach out to member services and they’ll take good care of you. Any questions-let me know.
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 11/8/2016-1300 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
