All,
We regret to pass on that a Hickory (NC) Firefighter died in the Line of Duty following a medical emergency while in quarters this morning. The Firefighter experienced a medical emergency (one report is that it may have occurred following a fire) and was immediately transported to a local hospital, where the member was pronounced deceased despite medical efforts. Our condolences to all those affected. Rest In Peace.
FIREFIGHTER INVOLVED IN CRASH, RETURNING AFTER 14-DAY WILDLAND DEPLOYMENT
Fisher Bennett, a 21-year-old wildland firefighter and son of a longtime Poudre (CO) Fire Authority Firefighter, is in the hospital after a crash that left him submerged in a northeast Fort Collins irrigation canal for an estimated 20 minutes. The crash happened on May 29. Emergency crews were dispatched at 1709 for reports of a vehicle upside down in a slow-moving irrigation ditch. The car was nearly fully submerged with only the rear tires visible. Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) personnel entered the water to search for any occupants, with a dive team also called to the scene.
Inside the vehicle, Firefighters found Bennett, still wearing his fire boots and pants. He was pulled from the back seat, and PFA firefighters immediately initiated life-saving procedures..
Bennett was first transported to Medical Center of the Rockies and then taken to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. His family says he remains hospitalized, intubated and on an ECMO machine, but conscious. The cause of the crash remains unknown.
He had just returned from a 14-day deployment working with federal wildland firefighters in Minnesota. He was driving home and was very close to home when this happened. KHIYP’s.
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 6/5/2025-1516 Hours
