Every year the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) releases an annual report on firefighter fatalities in the United States. The study includes both career and volunteer firefighters, as well as employees and members of government and private organizations, who were engaged in firefighting activities at the time of their death.
Unfortunately, in 2015 our country lost 68 firefighters, ranging in age from 18 to 92, to fatal injuries inflicted while on duty. While this number has remained fewer than 70 for four out of the last five years, sadly, we can all agree that losing even one of these brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to others’ safety, is one too many. The majority of the fatalities, 59%, were due to overexertion, stress and/or medical conditions, with sudden cardiac deaths making up 51%. Horrendously, 1% of the fatalities were the result of a deadly assault. The remainder of causes were largely made up of occupational hazards ranging from structural collapse, vehicle crashes, falls, and rapid fire progression or explosions.
For anyone who thinks that firefighters aren’t real heroes, I challenge them to review those numbers. The vast majority of firefighters died from working too hard to save others’ lives and yet they still have to be worried that disturbed individuals may waiting in ambush for assault, or worse, such as the tragic story of the firefighter who was deliberately struck and killed by a motorist during a fundraising event last year.
It is so important that we do not forget these men and women who are so valiantly willing to put their lives on the line day after day, to run into buildings when everyone else is running out, and to save the lives of strangers, even at the potential expense of their own. With this is in mind, we hope that you will join us in giving a hug or sincere thank you to the next first responder that you see.
As always, thank you to all of the first responders, for everything that you do. We take solace in knowing that the legacy and heroism of those who lost their lives will never be forgotten.
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