All,
Here’s an update from yesterday’s Fort Worth MAYDAY and the Firefighters who were seriously burned and injured.
“Just before 11am this (Wednesday) morning, Fort Worth Fire Department Engine 11 was returning to their station from the shop. While en route, they noticed smoke coming from a residential structure in the Historic Southside neighborhood of Fort Worth. As the Fire Alarm Office received multiple calls from neighbors about the fire and began to dispatch crews, Engine 11 arrived on scene.”
“With heavy smoke and fire coming from a one-story wood framed home, the crew from Engine 11 pulled a line and made their way to the structure. But before they could make entry, the garage roof collapsed entrapping a firefighter. A mayday was called.”
“The sound of a “mayday” tone plays over all radio traffic and stops everyone in their tracks. The problem: one or more firefighters requires immediate assistance. The objective: stop everything and get your fellow brother or sister out of harm’s way. The goal is to repeatedly train for these situations but to never have to engage in one. Unfortunately, today was not an exercise.”
“Within less than 2 minutes, fellow firefighters had pulled Firefighter Caleb Halvorson from the burning debris. He was rushed to awaiting medics and CareFlite was launched. Firefighter Halvorson sustained multiple injuries, including burns, and was transported via CareFlite to Parkland Hospital where he is currently in stable condition in the burn unit. Firefighter Halvorson has been with the Department for 3 years.”
“A second alarm was called for by the Incident Commander to ensure there was enough manpower on scene to handle the mayday situation and extinguish the fire. After close to an hour, the fire was declared under control. The incident lasted 3 hours from Engine 11’s arrival to finishing the overhaul. In total, 42 fire apparatus were on scene bringing with them close to 90 fire personnel.”
“Additionally, a second firefighter was transported by ambulance to a local hospital after he suffered injuries while rescuing his fellow firefighter from the collapsed structure. Lieutenant Troy Gallagher has been with the Fort Worth Fire Department since 2001. He is expected to be released from the hospital soon.”
“The residents were not home at the time of the fire and there were no additional injuries. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.”
“Please join us in continuing to pray for Firefighter Halvorson and Lieutenant Gallagher and their families during this difficult time.”
Another “real world” reminder of how critical “everyday (being) a training day” is to all of us-at every rank-on this job.
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 9/4/2025-1046 Hours
