(PLEASE NOTE: With the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaching, and when requested, we will pass on applicable fundraisers to support the surviving families and their foundations. Joe Henry was 25 years old and assigned to Ladder 21 in Manhattan. “Joey” lost his life on 9/11. His family is rooted deep in the FDNY. Both of his brothers were on the job, as well as his uncle, who was a Captain, & his father & grandfather were both Battalion Chiefs. LINK:
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All,
Unfortunately, several LODDs to pass on:
CALIFORNIA LODD:
Firefighter Neil Schnaible of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District died in the Line of Duty Monday after suffering a medical emergency while on duty last Wednesday. His fellow firefighters acted immediately, performing CPR and successfully restoring a pulse, but during the incident, FF Schnaible fell and struck his head on the pavement, causing multiple severe brain bleeds. A fundraiser, which by Monday raised $102,765 of its goal of $140,000, said Schnaible’s wife and daughter were out of the country in Greece during the incident and this is to help get them back and support them during this loss.
LIFE AFTER DEATH: Firefighter Neil Schnaible’s last wish was to be an organ donor; even in death, he is giving life and a second chance to so many people across the country.
MORE ABOUT NEIL: https://www.modbee.com/news/
FIREFIGHTERS PLEASE WATCH:
FIREFIGHTERS: THE LEADERS IN ORGAN DONATION:
The Billy Moon Story & How Every Firefighter Can Be An Organ Donor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://billymoonfoundation.
https://donatelife.net/ (DONATE LIFE)
CONNECTICUT LODD:
More than 30 years after suffering “catastrophic” injuries at the scene of a fire, New Haven fire officials said Tuesday former Firefighter Thomas Kelly has died in the Line of Duty. FF Kelly was 33 years old at the time, working as a tillerman with Truck 4 Dixwell for 13 years.
It was Feb. 26, 1992 when Kelly was conducting roof operations at a fire in a commercial building owned by a jewelry store at 1142 Chapel St. About 25 minutes into the call, he fell through a shaft and down about 30 feet, or two stories. Fellow firefighters went into the still-burning building to get Kelly out after the fall. They put ladders down the light shaft, while also breaching windows to get to him. He was rescued but died in the Line of Duty after living 34 years with catastrophic injuries. Kelly came from a family of Firefighters, with his father and uncle both serving.
It was Feb. 26, 1992 when Kelly was conducting roof operations at a fire in a commercial building owned by a jewelry store at 1142 Chapel St. About 25 minutes into the call, he fell through a shaft and down about 30 feet, or two stories. Fellow firefighters went into the still-burning building to get Kelly out after the fall. They put ladders down the light shaft, while also breaching windows to get to him. He was rescued but died in the Line of Duty after living 34 years with catastrophic injuries. Kelly came from a family of Firefighters, with his father and uncle both serving.
MORE ABOUT THOMAS:
MICHIGAN LODD: FIRE CHIEF DIES AT 52-MEDICAL EMERGENCY
We regret to pass on that Walker (MI) Fire Chief Russell “Rusty” Shoultz died early Friday morning following a medical emergency. Shoultz started his role as fire chief July 1, 2025, and brought a new outlook to the department.
Under Chief Shoultz’s leadership, the department became staffed 24 hours a day for the first time since 1937. Before coming to Michigan, Chief Shoultz worked for large fire departments in Mississippi and Louisiana and was deputy chief of the Louisiana state fire marshal’s office. He was also a licensed nurse practitioner and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. More details and funeral info HERE:
https://obits.mlive.com/us/
FIREFIGHTER INJURIES REPORTED TO BE DOWN:
NFPA: Injuries Down 15% from 2023
The National Fire Protection Association Journal reports that firefighter injuries in the United States fell 15% in 2024. In total, 53,575 firefighter injuries were reported in 2024, down from over 63,000 in 2023. This notable, single-year drop is a highlight to a substantial, decades-long positive trend.
(NOTE: When you open the above link, it allows you to view the entire issue. Take a sec to check out the articles-some excellent stuff…many for practical application).
Our condolences to all those affected by the above losses. Rest In Peace.
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass it On.
BillyG
The Secret List 5/6/2026-1414 Hours
