NIN South Division

12/19/2025

Courtesy of Firehouse.Com

All,

In a historic development, the U.S. Senate has passed the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), advancing a long-fought effort by the nation’s fire service, which was lead and endorsed by the IAFF to secure federal recognition of occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death.

The bill, which had strong fire service as well as bipartisan support in both chambers, now goes to President Trump, who is expected to sign it into law today.

Many fire-family members who have lost their Firefighters to occupational cancer, were aggressively active, testified and worked hard to get this accomplished.

“We know the devastation occupational cancer has brought to our profession. When a fire fighter dies from job-related cancer, that is a line-of-duty death – and it is long past time the federal government recognized that truth,” said IAFF General President Edward Kelly who lead the charge. “Congress’s passage of the Honor Act marks a significant turning point. This legislation ensures our fallen are honored, and their families are not left behind.”

The Honor Act updates the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program to recognize occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death. The bill extends death and educational benefits to survivors and presumes certain cancers are job-related, removing the requirement to pinpoint a specific exposure. More details below:

https://www.iaff.org/news/senate-passes-honor-act-recognizing-fire-fighter-cancer-as-line-of-duty-death/

Klobuchar and Cramer’s Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act Heads to the President’s Desk

klobuchar.senate.gov

Genuinely outstanding news!

REMEMBER: Cancer still sucks. Ask anyone (who is still around) that has or had it. Overall, we need to continue aggressive efforts lead by Fire Officers and Firefighters to minimize exposures, including off-duty exposures. While we cannot fully eliminate the on the job exposures and it is without a doubt, a high exposure risk we take, we need to keep doing what the expert recommendations tell us to do to minimize it:

REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURES:

Firefighter Cancer - Reduce Exposure

Fire Fighters and Cancer Risk | Firefighting Chemicals

cancer.org



QUICK REQUEST:

EVERY FIREFIGHTER-PLEASE SIGN UP:

The National Firefighter Registry For Cancer:

National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer

cdc.gov

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.

BillyG

The Secret List 12/18/2015-0800 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Firefighter Close Calls is the home of the Secret List. The worlds most visited website focused exclusively on firefighter survival. FireFighter Close Calls is part of the FireCompanies.com network of sites.

10/28/2025

Courtesy of

Today is National First Responders Day! We honor the profound dedication and sacrifice of all our colleagues in EMS, fire, and law enforcement. Thank you for your unwavering service to our communities.

08/28/2025

Courtesy of FirefighterCloseCalls.Com

All,

We regret to pass on that a candidate with Flagler County (Fla.) Fire Rescue died Aug. 22 after becoming ill following a physical agility test. At about 1000 hours Fendrick Gabaud, 40, was participating in Flagler County Fire Rescue's standard pre-employment physical agility test at the fire tower. Gabaud recently graduated from fire school and was seeking a job as a Firefighter/ EMT with Flagler County. He reportedly was in good shape and had no prior employment as a Firefighter.

Gabaud successfully completed the required physical agility test, which included climbing three stories of stairs with equipment, hose lifts, advancing charged hose lines/hitting targets, and dragging a 150-pound manikin, all well within the allotted time.

After finishing the test and taking off his gear, Gabaud complained of shortness of breath and feeling sick. Paramedics were present and immediately rendered aid, but Gabaud became unresponsive. Gabaud was transported to AdventHealth Palm Coast, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Bunnell Police Department, along with the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Medical Examiner's Office, is conducting an investigation, but at this stage, there is no indication of an accident or foul play. Our condolences to all those affected. Rest In peace.

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass it On.

BillyG

The Secret List 8/26.2025 2247 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Firefighter Close Calls is the home of the Secret List. The worlds most visited website focused exclusively on firefighter survival. FireFighter Close Calls is part of the FireCompanies.com network of sites.

07/31/2025

Courtesy of FirefighterCloseCalls.Com

All,

A longtime friend and Brother Firefighter of mine has been told (by 3 oncologists) that he does not have much time left after dealing with cancer. He is now in home hospice receiving their services with no more medical treatment recommended or chosen.

Dave Cook is 61 years old and a Firefighter, Officer and ECC shift commander starting in 1978. His home is the Manatee/Sarasota area of Florida. He had since retired and then started a new career as the emergency manager and hazmat coordinator for Suburban Propane, covering the entire Southeast US. Many of you in that region have probably met Dave.

I am asking that if you can consider assisting in any way, I would really appreciate it. Dave does have insurance, but the deductibles and non-covered costs are overwhelming, otherwise I would not be asking you for your assistance. Nor would his family and him have asked - as you can probably understand.

Thank you for your consideration.

DETAILS & LINK HERE:

https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/david-cook-ljcyle

Please consider making a donation and sharing this link with Brothers & Sisters — anyone that may be able to spare a couple of bucks. Thanks so much.

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.

BillyG

The Secret List 7-30-2025-1125 hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Firefighter Close Calls is the home of the Secret List. The worlds most visited website focused exclusively on firefighter survival. FireFighter Close Calls is part of the FireCompanies.com network of sites.

07/18/2025

Courtesy of FirefghterCloseCalls.Com

All,

We regret to pass on that around 0355 hours Tuesday (yesterday) morning, volunteer Firefighters Jonathan Ashworth and Tabitha Ashworth were turning out from their home to respond to a medical emergency call on La. 26, Beauregard County, Louisiana.

Reports indicate that visibility was limited due to dense fog, and when they attempted to turn a 90-degree corner, they drove off the road, striking multiple tree. Jonathan died at the scene, and Tabitha suffered minor injuries.

Jonathan Ashworth had served as a Firefighter/operator with Fire Protection District 4 since Nov. 14, 2018. Our condolences to all those affected. Rest in Peace.

UPDATE ON THE INJURED IDAHO FIREFIGHTER

Some good news as Coeur d'Alene Firefighter Dave Tysdal was escorted by his family out of Kootenai Health Tuesday morning.

Tysdal is heading to a rehab facility in Colorado as he continues to recover from a gunshot he received while responding to that wildfire ambush last month. As you know, Tysdal was critically injured and Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison were shot and killed in that ambush on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene. All the best for a successful recovery!



Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.

BillyG

The Secret List 7-16-2025-0800 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Firefighter Close Calls is the home of the Secret List. The worlds most visited website focused exclusively on firefighter survival. FireFighter Close Calls is part of the FireCompanies.com network of sites.

07/13/2025

Courtesy of fox32chicago.com

Kentucky church shooting leaves multiple injured, suspect dead

The Brief
A suspect shot a state trooper before fleeing to Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington.
Multiple people were injured in the church shooting, and the suspect was killed by police.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the incident and said the injured are receiving medical care.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Multiple people were injured in a shooting at a Kentucky church and the suspect is now dead, according to state police.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Multiple people were injured in a shooting at a Kentucky church and the suspect is now dead, according to state police.

The trooper was shot at 11:36 a.m. in Fayette County, where Lexington is located, state police said.

The suspect then fled the scene, ending up at the Baptist church, police said.

What they're saying:
A shooting took place at the church with multiple injuries, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a social media post. The trooper and others were being treated at a nearby hospital. The extent of the injuries was not immediately known.

07/10/2025

Disaster

Texas floods: death toll reaches at least 120 people as recovery efforts continue

07/10/2025

🚨 CALLING ALL HEROES — AND FUTURE HEROES! 🚨

Are you an EMT, Paramedic, Firefighter, Police Officer, 911 Dispatcher — or just an everyday person with a passion for helping others and staying in the know?

USEmergAlerts Incident Notification System is on the lookout for dynamic new volunteers to join our elite Dispatch Team! Whether you're a seasoned responder or brand new to emergency communications — we’ll train you! All you need is heart, commitment, and a desire to serve your community by keeping them informed in real-time.

As a USEmergAlerts Dispatcher, you’ll monitor live emergency service channels and help broadcast breaking Police, Fire, and Rescue incidents — from anywhere, at any time. You choose your schedule. You control your availability. You make a difference.

📡 It’s flexible.
💻 It’s remote.
🚑 It’s impactful.
✨ And it’s calling your name.

Ready to jump in? Visit www.usemergalerts.net — click "Apply" — and join the movement today!

Be the voice. Be the alert. Be the difference.

07/06/2025

Courtesy of NYPOST.COM

Texas flood death toll hits at least 80 with beloved teacher, soccer coach and wife ID’d as latest victims

The death toll from the catastrophic Texas floods has risen to at least 80 — with dozens more people missing and the number of those killed only expected to rise as the Lone Star State sifts through the wreckage.

Gov. Greg Abbott and local officials confirmed the tragic rising death toll Sunday.

That number is now nearly double the casualties reported Saturday night. At least 68 are dead at the flooding’s epicenter in Kerr County, while 12 more were killed in other counties, according to officials.

The confirmed dead in Kerr were 40 adults and 28 children. Still, multiple adult victims and four of the children there have not yet been able to be properly identified.

Search efforts have been hampered by the physical destruction wrought when the Guadalupe River overflowed its banks during torrential rains Thursday night into Friday, with trees and other debris still littered across the countryside.

So far there have been 525 rescue operations across the state, with 366 being conducted by air.

Leitha said that 11 girls and one counsellor are still missing from Camp Mystic, the Christian girls’ summer camp just off the banks of the Guadalupe River. Five campers, ages 8 and 9, have been confirmed dead in the flooding — along with the camp’s owner.

When asked why the camps weren’t evacuated before the water level rose, and whether emergency alerts went out in time, Leitha and city manager Dalton Rice declined to comment, abruptly ending Sunday’s 10 a.m. press conference.

Several more inches of rain were expected in the region Sunday, according to the National Weather Service, which extended its flood watch and warned that 2-4 inches of rain were possible in some areas — with concentrated areas receiving as much as 10 inches.

Some 400 first responders from 20 agencies city, state and national are continuing the rescue operation in Kerr County, which saw the worst of the flash flooding along the river, facing difficult conditions like toppled trees, overturned cars and large piles of mud-filled debris.

More than 850 people were rescued within 36 hours of the start of the flash flooding, which started after a sudden storm dumped more than a foot of rain on the region, officials said.

"We will continue our search efforts until everyone is found,” Leitha assured, urging those who need to report missing loved ones to call 830-258-1111.

The three victims identified Saturday include a high school soccer coach and his wife and a beloved high school teacher.

Reece Zunker, a soccer coach in Tivy, Texas, and his wife Paula, who were on vacation with their two children when the flooding swept through Kerr County Friday, were among the latest victims identified by officials.

Our Tivy Soccer & KISD community is heartbroken with the loss of our leader and inspiration,” Tivy Boys Soccer wrote on Facebook Saturday night.

“The Coach Reece Zunker was not just a soccer coach he was a mentor, teacher and a role model for our Kerrville kids.”

Local outlet the Kerrville Daily Times reported that the two children were still missing. The family had been staying in a river house in the town of Hunt, not far from Camp Mystic.

Also confirmed among the dead is Jeff Wilson, a teacher at Kingswood Park High School who taught in the Humble Independent School District for 30 years, the school wrote on X.

“Tonight our [Humble Independent School District] family is grieving the devastating loss of teacher Jeff Wilson, who passed away due to the catastrophic flooding in Kerrville,” the mourning social media post read.

“He was a beloved teacher and co-worker to many and will be deeply missed.”

The district added that Wilson’s brother-in-law shared that his wife, Amber, and son, Shiloh are still considered missing.

“Please continue to keep their entire family, and ours, in your prayers,” the district urged.

Officials will provide the latest on the rescue effort in a press conference scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT Sunday.

Abbott, who visited Camp Mystic and called it “horrendously ravaged” in a social media post, declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state in tribute to the victims as well as those still missing.

“The height the rushing water reached to the top of cabins was shocking. We won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins,” he said in a statement.

President Trump announced on Truth Social Sunday morning he was declaring a major disaster declaration for Kerr County to ensure first responders have the resources they need.

"These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing,” he wrote, noting that the administration is working closely with state and local leaders.

Pope Leo XIV offered condolences and a prayer to the flood victims during Sunday’s mass from the Vatican.

“I express my sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were at summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe river in Texas in the United States.”

(8
Campers and staff from Camp Waldemar, near the North fork of the Guadalupe River, are reunited with their families after heavy rainfall in central Texas on Saturday.)

05/27/2025

Courtesy of

What if firefighters & EMS are punished for raising safety concerns?

S.1247, the Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act aims to protect them from retaliation.

Discover what’s in the bill & why it matters:
🔗 fireandemsfund.com/public-safety-…

Discover how S.1247 protects first responders’ rights to speak up about safety concerns without fear of retaliation.

05/19/2025

2025-05-19 10:01:00 | SC | MOUNTAIN REST | WORKING FIRE | VERNER MILL RD IAO LITTLE RD | SVCS O/S OF A DWMH WELL INVOLVED ON ARRIVAL. MLTPL LSO ATT

05/14/2025

Courtesy of FirefighterCloseCalls.Com

All,

Here are additional NIOSH Firefighter Line of Duty Critical Injury and Death reports that have been recently released. The recent multi-release of these reports is the work of the few NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program employees who remain. There is still no official action demonstrating that the program will be fully restored.

As always, lots for all of us to learn from:



HAWAII-LODD-HONOLULU HAWAII-JANUARY 6 2025-MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING FIRE

Firefighter Jeff Fiala, a 25-year-old Firefighter, was killed in the Line of Duty and five others were hospitalized after an apartment fire broke out shortly after 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6

F2025-02 HI: One Firefighter Dies During Unprotected Search in Nine-Apartment Building that was Originally Constructed to be a Single-Family House – Hawaii

Report:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202502.pdf

Slides:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202502RS.pdf



TEXAS-LODD-HOUSTON TEXAS-NOVEMBER 6 2024-WAREHOUSE FIRE

Firefighter Marcelo Garcia, 42, of the Houston Fire Department, was killed in the Line of Duty on November 6, 2024.

F2024-06 TX: Career Firefighter Dies and Another Injured while Performing Rapid Intervention Team Tasks at Vacant Warehouse Fire – Texas

Report:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202406.pdf

Slides:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202406RS.pdf



OREGON-LODI-GRESHAM OREGON-DWELLING FIRE

Firefighter Spencer Tejedas sustained his injuries on May 30, 2024, when the Gresham Fire Department and Portland Fire and Rescue responded to the reports of a duplex on fire. While operating, conditions rapidly changed, and 3 Firefighters were injured. Two of the firefighters were treated and released, however, FF Tejedas suffered severe burns on over 45% of his body.

F2024-03 OR: Career Firefighter Seriously Injured During Search Operations in a Residential Structure Fire – Oregon

Report:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202403.pdf

Slides:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202403RS.pdf

Poster:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202403P.pdf

Article: https://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/radios/examining-portable-radio-placement-during-interior-firefighting



NEW JERSEY-2 LODD's-NEWARK, NJ SHIP FIRE

Firefighters Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr., and Augusto “Augie” Acabou were both killed in the line of duty on July 5, 2023, fighting a cargo ship fire.

F2023-10 NJ: Two Career Land-Based Firefighters Die After Becoming Lost and Running Out of Air During a Marine Vessel Fire in Port – New Jersey

NTSB Chair Comments "ARE YOU LISTENING?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8njyRIRKnk

Report:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202310.pdf

Slides:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202310RS.pdf

Article (IAFF) https://www.iaff.org/news/ntsb-report-reveals-deadly-failures-in-newark-ship-fire-tragedy/

Radio Traffic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=priOc619_dk

SOUTH CAROLINA-FLORIDA-LODD-FIREFIGHTER DIES ON MUTUAL AID MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING FIRE

Irmo Firefighter James "J" Michael Muller was killed on May 26, 2023, while operating at an apartment fire in Columbia

F2023-07 SC: Career Firefighter Dies in Collapse involving Lightweight Construction with Two separate Maydays – South Carolina

Report:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202307.pdf

Slides:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202307RS.pdf

Article: "Firefighter Death. Now What?" https://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/sc-firefighter-lodd-update-now-what-just-dont-do-nothing-the-secret-list/



FLORIDA-LODD-TRAILER TIPS OVER, CRUSHING, KILLING FIREFIGHTER

On July 15, 2022, Apopka (FL) Firefighter Austin Duran, 25, died from injuries sustained from a sand trailer tipping and crushing him on June 30, 2022.

F2022-07 FL: Career Firefighter Dies from Crush Injuries During Sand Trailer Operations – Florida

Report:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202207.pdf

Slides:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202207RS.pdf



MARYLAND-TRIPLE LODD-3 BALTIMORE CITY FIREFIGHTERS DIED IN ROW HOUSE FIRE

January 24, 2022, Baltimore City Fire Lieutenant Paul Butrim, Lieutenant Kelsey Sadler, and FF EMT Kenny Lacayo all lost their lives in a collapse.

F2022-01 MD: Three Firefighters Die and another Seriously Injured During the Collapse of an Abandoned, Derelict, 3-story Row House Fire – Maryland

Report:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202201.pdf

Radio Traffic: https://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/3-baltimore-city-firefighters-killed-in-the-line-of-duty-other-firefighter-critical-mayday-related-radio-traffic/



WEST VIRGINIA-FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN FIRE, WALL COLLAPSE

Senior Airman Firefighter Logan Young, 30, of the 167th Airlift Wing Fire Rescue, responded as part of a mutual aid call to a fire in an abandoned barn in the 3800 block of Charles Town Road in Kearneysville, West Virginia. The call was dispatched at around 2 a.m., and a mayday was issued around 2:30 a.m. The fire resulted in Young’s death and injuries to three other firefighters.

F2021-09 WV: A Military Firefighter Killed and Two Firefighters Injured by a Wall Collapse at a Barn Fire – West Virginia

Report:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202109.pdf

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.

BillyG

The Secret List 5/14/2025-0800 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com