Firefighter Fatality Investigations in Texas
As of September 1, 2001, the State Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for investigating firefighter fatalities in Texas.
These investigations are conducted in cooperation with fire-service organizations such as the State Firemen's & Fire Marshals' Association, Texas Fire Chiefs Association, Texas Association of Firefighters, Texas Fire Marshals Association, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Texas Forest Service, and Emergency Services Training Institute.
Firefighter Fatality Investigation Policy
Firefighter Fatality Investigation Statutory Authority
Important Information About a Change in the State Fire Marshal's Firefighter Fatality Investigation Statutory Authority
SECTION 1, Subsection (b), Section 417.0075, Government Code, has been amended (S.B. 396, Legislative Session, 82R) to read as follows:
(b) If a firefighter dies in the line of duty or if the firefighter's death occurs in connection with an on-duty [a fire-fighting] incident in this state, the state fire marshal shall investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the firefighter, including any [the cause and origin of the fire, the condition of the structure, and the suppression operation, to determine the] factors that may have contributed to the death of the firefighter.
This change took effect May 12, 2011.
To Report a Firefighter Fatality:
In the event of a firefighter fatality in your area, immediately call the State Fire Marshal's Office at 512-305-7900 (this is a 24-hour number). You will be greeted by a voice menu. You will be asked to press "2" to reach our answering service, which will take your name and number. Make sure you tell the answering service that you are reporting a firefighter fatality; a representative from the State Fire Marshal's Office will call you as quickly as possible.
Please have the following information ready when calling:
a. Your name, department, and a telephone number where you can be contacted. If possible, please provide a cellular telephone number and/or your departmental radio dispatcher telephone number to assist us in contacting you.
b. Time, date, and location of the fatal incident, as well as a brief description of the type of incident (Structure fire, vehicle fire, wildland fire, etc.).
| Year | Download Report |
|---|---|
| FY 2011 | 2011 Annual Report |
| FY 2010 | 2010 Annual Report |
| FY 2009 | 2009 Annual Report |
| FY 2008 | 2008 Annual Report |
| FY 2007 | 2007 Annual Report |
| FY 2006 | 2006 Annual Report |
| FY 2005 | 2005 Annual Report |
| FY 2004 | 2004 Annual Report |
| FY 2003 | 2003 Annual Report |
| FY 2002 | 2002 Annual Report |
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| Date of Death | Name | Fire Department | Fatality Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 13, 2001 | Captain Jay Jahnke | Houston FD | Fireground Operations |
| December 24, 2001 | David R. Butler | Spring Branch VFD | Medical Condition |
| February 11, 2002 | Vincent Davis | Dallas Fire-Rescue | Fireground Operations |
| April 6, 2002 | Kevin L. Baker | Mid-North VFD | Medical Condition |
| August 12, 2002 | Roger Dunn | Clute VFD | Medical Condition |
| August 12, 2002 | Travis Wiens | Wichita West VFD | Motor Vehicle Incident |
| December 5, 2002 | Captain Michael DePauw | Dallas Fire-Rescue | Medical Condition |
| December 13, 2002 | Shawn Michael Espinoza | Ranger VFD | Medical Condition |
| January 19, 2003 | James Edward Taylor | Bonham FD | Motor Vehicle Incident |
| January 19, 2003 | Gary L. Staley | Porter VFD | Fireground Operations |
| February 12, 2003 | Wayne Kevin Clarke | Dallas Fire-Rescue | Medical Condition |
| March 8, 2003 | Stephen Leigh McGregor | Baird VFD | Medical Condition |
| March 18, 2003 | Lt. Lance Mathew | LaBelle-Fannett VFD | Motor Vehicle Incident |
| November 5, 2003 | Chief Ricardo Gonzales | Beaumont FD | Medical Condition |
| April 4, 2004 | Kevin Kulow | Houston FD | Fireground Operations |
| July 9, 2004 | Chief Gary Fox | Bluegrove VFD | Medical Condition |
| November 12, 2004 | James Campbell | Pendleton Harbor VFD | Medical Condition |
| December 20, 2004 | Nito Guajardo | Baytown FD | Fireground Operations |
| February 19, 2005 | Captain Grady Burke | Houston FD | Fireground Operations |
| February 24, 2005 | Chief Lonnie Nicklas | Shepherd VFD | Medical Condition |
| March 30, 2005 | Brandon Phillips | Keller FD | Medical Condition |
| April 24, 2005 | Brian Hunton | Amarillo FD | Motor Vehicle Incident |
| November 22, 2005 | Clint Dewayne Rice | Carlton VFD | Motor Vehicle Incident |
| December 11, 2005 | Chad Ernest Wessels | Briggs VFD | Motor Vehicle Incident |
| April 9, 2006 | James McMorries, Jr. | Howardwick VFD | Motor Vehicle Incident |
| December 30, 2006 | Phillip Townsend | Denison FD | Fireground Operations |
| August 3, 2007 | Kevin Williams, Austin Cheek | Noonday VFD | Fireground Operations |
| July 4, 2008 | Joe Pat Jordan | Pickton-Pine Forest VFD | Medical Condition |
| July 5, 2008 | Chief Robert Leland Knight | Teague VFD | Fireground Operations |
| April 12, 2009 | Captain James A. Harlow, Sr., and Firefighter Damion J. Hobbs | Houston FD | Fireground Operations |
| July 3, 2010 | Captain Thomas Araguz | Wharton VFD | Fireground Operations |
Crashes Involving Fire Department Water Tanker Trucks Are the Leading Cause of Death in Fire Service Motor Vehicle Incidents
Three fatal crashes involving motor vehicles modified into water tankers have been investigated by the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office. The State Fire Marshal wants to alert the Texas fire service regarding the construction and operation of fire department tankers used in transporting water. Read the Alert en Español.
State Fire Marshal Alert:
Heart Attacks Leading Cause of On-Duty Texas Firefighter Deaths
The State Fire Marshal's Office has investigated more than 30 on-duty fatalities of firefighters in Texas since September 2001. These investigations have revealed some vital facts every Texas fire official needs to know.
Heart attacks or related cardiac problems have caused 12 of the 33 deaths investigated through the end of fiscal year 2011.
Since 1995, heart attacks have been the leading cause of on-duty deaths of Texas firefighters.
Every fire department (paid and volunteer), fire chief, and firefighter must take the initiative in reducing the number of on-duty heart attack deaths.
Fire departments should establish physical performance requirements for firefighters and develop physical fitness programs. NFPA 1583, Standard on Health-Related Fitness Programs for Fire Fighters is an excellent resource.
When it comes to physical fitness and overall health, every little bit of effort counts.
Extensive research has shown that you can improve your overall health, thus preventing disease and premature death, by making small adjustments and improvements in your daily activities, including physical activity, nutrition, and behavior.
Five chronic diseases associated with obesity:
- heart disease
- cancer
- stroke
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g., bronchitis, emphysema, asthma)
- diabetes
account for more than two-thirds of all deaths in the United States. They claim more than 1.7 million American lives each year and hinder daily living for more than one of every 10 Americans. More than 100 million Americans live with chronic disease, and millions of new cases are diagnosed each year.
These chronic diseases are among the most prevalent and deadly health problems facing our nation, but some of them are very preventable. Firefighters and their families can take simple, affordable steps to work physical activity, good nutrition, and behavior changes into their daily routine. You don't have to become a marathon runner or buy a health club membership to improve personal fitness. Your health will improve with modest but regular physical activity and better eating habits.
There are four keys for a healthier America:
- Be Physically Active Every Day.
- Eat a Nutritious Diet.
- Get Preventive Screenings.
- Make Healthy Choices.
The State Fire Marshal's Office also recommends that fire departments and firefighters adopt physical exercise regimens that will best prepare firefighters for the strenuous, often prolonged physical effort involved in fighting fires.
Here are some excellent resources:
Volunteer Fire Service Fitness And Wellness Program: The U. S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have created the Volunteer Fire Service Fitness and Wellness Project - a partnership initiative to reduce loss of life among volunteer firefighters from heart attack and stress. USFA is a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. You can find out more at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_321.pdf.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and PennWell Corporation have established a Web site, www.everyonegoeshome.com, for the nationwide Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives program.
Firefighter Fitness articles by Steven Loy, Ph.D., Fire Chief Magazine, April 2001-December 2002. http://firechief.com/searchresults/?terms=Steven+Loy
For more information contact:
Last updated: 01/20/2012
