All,
The Fire Chief in Iva, South Carolina (SW of Greenville) was airlifted after being struck by a vehicle yesterday, Monday. Chief Curt Brickle was hit by a vehicle while on the job Monday morning. The Chief was airlifted to the hospital, where he is in stable condition with internal injuries and fractures. KHIYP’s
=THE FOLLOWING TWO LODD’S OCCURRED IN INDIA.
=FIREFIGHTER ELECTROCUTION:
A 28-year-old Firefighter died in the Line of Duty of electrocution and his colleague suffered injuries while rescuing a pigeon entangled in an overhead power line in Thane (near Mumbai, India) on Sunday. The local firehouse received a call about a pigeon trapped on an electricity line and a crew was dispatched to the site. During the rescue operation, two fire personnel came in contact with the live wire and suffered severe electric shocks.
=WELL RESCUE GOES HORRIBLY WRONG
A midnight rescue (today) operation turned into a tragedy in Kollam, claiming the lives of three people, including a Firefighter, after the old rope barrier around an 80-foot-deep well collapsed.
The deceased have been identified as Soni S. Kumar (36), a member of the Kottarakkara Fire and Rescue Unit, and two residents. The incident occurred around 0015 hours on Monday.
Archana, a mother of three, had reportedly jumped into the well after a heated argument with someone named Shivakrishnan. Shivakrishnan called the Firefighters for help. When the team arrived, Archana was still alive. Firefighters assessed the situation and spoke to her from the top of the well before launching the rescue operation.
Firefighter Soni Kollam descended into the well using ropes and other equipment. As he attempted to pull Archana up, the rope barrier suddenly gave way. Shivakrishnan, who was standing near the edge – despite repeated warnings to stay back, lost his balance and fell in. Shivakrishnan, believed to have been under the influence of alcohol, ignored warnings from the Firefighters. He had been leaning on the rope when it snapped, triggering the accident. The fallen Firefighter was pulled out but had suffered severe head injuries from falling stone debris when the barrier collapsed.
Archana and Shivakrishnan were also recovered dead from the well. Locals said Archana and Shivakrishnan had been living together for some time, and their quarrel is suspected to have prompted her to jump.
=ONLINE CONFERENCE WITH GORDON GRAHAM
Lexipol Connect 2025:
The Premier Virtual Conference for Public Safety Leaders
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
1 pm-4:30 pm Eastern
Completely virtual (no travel) and FREE!
12 sessions covering topics such as
- Building leadership development in your department
- Personnel behavior “warning signs”
- AI in public safety
- Legal and policy trends
- Force multipliers for small departments
With keynotes from Chief (Ret.) Kristen Ziman and Lexipol’s Gordon Graham
DETAILS & REGISTRATION HERE:
https://tinyurl.com/Lexipol-Conference-Link
=FLAGSTAFF CHIEF FIRE OFFICER LODD: CANCER
The Flagstaff Fire Department regretfully announces the line-of-duty death of Deputy Fire Chief Jerry Bills on Thursday October 9, 2025, following a courageous battle with presumptive occupational cancer. Deputy Chief Bills dedicated over 40 years to the fire service, including 19 years with the Flagstaff Fire Department. During his tenure, he was the Deputy in every division of the department. Most recently, he led Community Risk Reduction and advanced training and leadership programs that fortified the entire region.
DETAILS:
https://www.azfamily.com/2025/10/11/flagstaff-fire-mourns-death-longtime-fallen-firefighter/
=UTAH FIREFIGHTER-A SUDDEN, TRAGIC LOSS
Firefighters and their respective agencies across northern Utah are mourning the loss of one of their own. “It is with profound sadness that we share the off duty passing of Firefighter Josh Brimhall,” South Davis Metro Fire Department.
“Josh would always be there for anyone in need, the best way to honor him is to do exactly that and reach out for support,”…“The fire service is family – no one walks alone. In the days ahead, we encourage anyone who may be struggling to reach out for help.
DETAILS:
https://gofund.me/50a15566d
Our condolences to all those affected. Rest In Peace.
If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, help is available. Text/call 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The 988 Lifeline (USA and Canada) provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass it On.
BillyG
The Secret List 10/14/2025-0800 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
