Interstate Highway Fire Chief Death, Prostate Cancer (The Secret List)

All,

While not a fire service Line of Duty Death-an active Fire Chief from New Jersey was working his regular job when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver on the NJ Turnpike….reminding us once again-of our greatest risk as Firefighters:

Brian Flanagan, Chief of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, was working for a traffic company before dawn Tuesday near Exit 10 in Edison when he was struck by a GMC SUV driven by 40-year-old drunk male. Investigators say the male was driving while intoxicated and fled the scene, leaving Chief Flanagan fatally injured along the roadway. Rest in Peace Chief.

A driver failed to slow down or move over and slammed into a Canton (Ohio) Fire Department vehicle on the scene of an accident Wednesday evening. The crash happened around 2330 on I-77.

Canton Firefighters were operating at a prior crash that happened around 2230 and had the left and center lanes blocked. A woman was driving a Toyota Corolla when she struck the fire department’s Chevrolet Tahoe. The impact caused the Toyota to overturn and the Tahoe to spin around and face the other direction. Firefighter Christopher Burkhardt, 51, of Canton, was inside the vehicle and suffered minor injuries, said police. Burkhardt was treated at Aultman Hospital.
The woman was also transported for serious injuries. OSP continues to investigate.

If the IC needs to, just shut it down to protect the scene, civilians, law enforcement, and us. We know the motoring public is in a rush, on their phones, blasting music, and NOT paying attention.

An attached tip has been developed to raise awareness of prostate cancer and the increased risk faced by male Firefighters. Firefighters have a 28 percent greater risk of developing prostate cancer compared to the general population. Early detection can AND DOES save lives. One of the best ways an officer can protect their members is by sharing this important information.

=TIP: FDNY – Tips from Training Safety – Prostate Cancer Awareness

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.

BillyG

The Secret List 10/15/2026-1233 Hours