On February 18, 2012, Sergeant Michael May of the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department was murdered in the line of duty.
Sergeant Michael May was killed while pursuing a vehicle across the West Virginia – Pennsylvania state line.
The vehicle had been involved in a hit-and-run accident shortly before 1:00 am. Approximately 20 minutes later, officers from the Granville Police Department stopped the vehicle and called for assistance from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department.
The driver refused to exit the vehicle and then drove away with officers in pursuit.
The pursuit crossed into Pennsylvania and the driver got onto I-79 southbound back towards West Virginia.
Approximately one mile north of the state line the driver rammed Sergeant May’s patrol car, causing it to crash.
Sergeant May was transported to a hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he died a short time later.
The driver of the vehicle was charged with homicide by vehicle in Pennsylvania.
Sergeant May had served with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years and had previously served with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia Division of Corrections. His is survived by his parents and brother. Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of Sergeant Michael May.
Cards and letters of condolence can be sent to:
Sheriff Al Kisner
Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department
155 Chancery Row
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7260
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On February 16, 2012, Detective David White of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office was murdered in the line of duty.
Detective David White was shot and killed during a raid of a suspected drug house on the 4800 block of Alligator Boulevard, in Middleburg, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The home was occupied by six squatters who were using it as a meth lab.
As Detective White and another detective approached the front door one of the occupants immediately opened fire, striking both of them.
The subject then ran through the home and tried to flee through a back door where he encountered another deputy who fatally shot him.
The five other occupants of the home were taken into custody.
Detective White was a military veteran and served with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for nine years. He is survived by his wife and two children. Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of Detective David White.
Cards and letters of condolence can be sent to:
Sheriff Rick Beseler
Clay County Sheriff’s Office
PO Box 548
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
(904) 264-6512
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
On February 5, 2012, Sergeant Almondo Greer-Travis of the Detroit Police Department died in the line of duty.
Elisha Anderson of the Detroit Free Press reported this story.
Almondo Greer-Travis, brother of Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh and a 40-year-old Detroit police sergeant, collapsed while on duty and died Sunday.
“This is devastating for me, my family, and the city which he served honorably,” Pugh said in a statement. “Please say a prayer for his three children and his wife, who is also a police sergeant.”
Greer-Travis, a 16-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, collapsed at the 12th Precinct and was rushed to Detroit Receiving Hospital.
It’s unclear what caused him to collapse, said Kirsten Ussery, a spokeswoman for Pugh.
Greer-Travis and his partner received an award from the council in 2010 when they thwarted a home invasion, according to Ussery.
Two children were hiding in a bathroom when someone broke into the home. Greer-Travis and his partner arrived and arrested the male suspects. The children were unharmed, according to Ussery.
“Losing one of Detroit’s Finest fills us all with sorrow and will be especially challenging for those of us who worked alongside Sergeant Greer-Travis; yet we will remain strong and continue to serve the citizens ofDetroit,” Police Chief Ralph Godbee Jr. said in a statement.
“On behalf of the men and women of the Detroit Police Department, I wish to express my deepest sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of Sergeant Almondo Greer-Travis regarding the loss of our fellow brother in Blue,” Godbee said.
Funeral Information
Visitation is 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at James H. Cole Home for Funerals, 16100 Schaefer, Detroit.
The funeral is 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. Seven Mile.
Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of Sergeant Almondo Greer-Travis.
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
On Wednesday February 15, 2012 Bethann McIntosh will be heading to Washington DC to speak with members of Congress about the bill that is named for her husband, Paramedic Daniel McIntosh.
Danny was a paramedic, a cop, and a firefighter. If Danny had been working as a law enforcement officer, his family would have been covered. If Danny had been working as a firefighter, his family would have been covered.
Danny died in the line of duty, and the federal government denied his family the Public Safety Officer Benefit to his wife & two children because his employer, Bensalem Rescue Squad, is a non-profit.
Congressman Fitzpatrick of Bucks County introduced a bill named for Danny. This bill would provide “equal protection under the law” for the families of EMTs & Paramedics who died in the line of duty. The bill was passed by the House. The bill was passed by the Senate. It should’ve become law last week. One hour and ninety minutes before the bill became law, a staffer who works for Congressman Mica pulled the language. As a result, Bethann, Delaney & Addison final appeal for Danny’s death benefit will most likely be denied this March.
CALL TO ACTION-WHAT CAN YOU DO?
We need letters of support from all over the United States. Please write a letter to your member of Congress and your Senators and ask them to co-sponsor “DannyMac”. The letter doesn’t need to be long or complicated. It can be hand written. As long as you include your name & address, it will work.
The letters can be faxed to Bensalem EMS . Their fax number is 215-639-9905
You can also fax it to Congressman Fitzpatrick’s office. Their fax number is 215-579-8109.
A group of First Responders will be escorting Bethann to Washington, DC to ask Congressman Mica what happened, and to get this bill passed. They will be leaving from Bensalem Rescue Squad at 5:00am on Wednesday, February 15th, and will return the same day. Our plan is to leave DC- no later than 2:30- so we miss the out-bound rush hour. This trip is being set up by guys who knew & respected Danny.
Bethann McIntosh with Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick .
On February 6, 2012 EMS Assistant Chief John McFarland of the Fire Department of the City of New York died as a result of a cancer, presumed to be linked to his service at Ground Zero in the response & recovery to the attacks on 9/11.
FDNY EMS Assistant Chief John McFarland, who served the EMS Command for more than 28 years and led many innovations that changed nationwide emergency medical services, died on Feb. 6 after battling a brain tumor.
“He was a forward thinker whose work will be helping New Yorkers for years to come,” said Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano.
Former Chief of EMS Robert McCracken added: “The things that stand out to me were his leadership qualities as a visionary and patient advocate. He always looked into technology to improve performance and patient care.”
Chief McFarland joined EMS as an EMT in 1983. He studied to become a paramedic in 1985 and was assigned to cover Manhattan. Four years later, he was promoted to lieutenant. He worked in Operations and Training before being promoted again – to captain – in 1997.
He held different positions both at FDNY Headquarters and the EMS Academy before being promoted to Deputy Chief in 2001. He then served as Chief of the Academy and Chief of Division 4. He then became Queens Borough Commander in 2003, followed by Deputy Assistant Chief of Field Operations in 2004. He retired in 2011.
In his time with EMS, he responded to many notable incidents, including the World Trade Center terrorist attacks of 1993 and 2001, US Airways Flight 1549 that landed on the Hudson, two plane crashes at LaGuardia Airport and the steam pipe explosion in Midtown Manhattan.
“He was a pioneer, striving for top-quality medical care that anyone could provide on the street, as well as the most up-to-date medical care,” said FDNY Chief Medical Officer David Prezant. “He wanted to make sure that the FDNY EMS Command was the best in the world.”
He added that Chief McFarland was always pushing for the FDNY to make use of the latest innovations and technologies, including STEMI and hypothermia therapy. He also never forgot what it was like to work as a paramedic or EMT on the streets, and always strived to find ways to make their lives easier.
“He really viewed EMS as a lifeline for the people of NYC,” Dr. Prezant said.
While Assistant Chief John Peruggia lauded Chief McFarland’s emphasis on patient care, he also remembered how much he loved his family – including his wife, EMS Captain Jo Ann, and children Katherine, 28, Megan, 24, Rebecca, 7, John, 5, and Joseph, 4.
Chief McCracken said he was deeply saddened by the passing of his longtime colleague and friend, but said he was happy he had the chance to know such an innovative thinker and kindhearted man: “It was an honor and pleasure to know John, and I can’t say enough about him. I’m just happy that the last time I saw him that he still had that great smile and positive outlook on life, his family and job he loved.”
Chief McFarland worked his way up the ranks and served as the Chief of EMS Training and was responsible for the delivery of all EMS training in the FDNY. He also served as Division Commander responsible forEMS operations in the Borough of Queens. He also served as the Deputy Assistant Chief, and finally as the Chief of EMS Field Services for FDNY. He was a member of International Association of EMS Chiefs (IAEMSC) and the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).
Funeral arrangements
Visitation:
F. Ruggerio and Sons Funeral Home
732 Yonkers Ave.
Yonkers, NY
Wed. and Thurs., Feb. 8 and 9, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral:
Church of the Annunciation
470 Westchester Ave.
Yonkers, NY
Fri., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.
Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of EMS Assistant Chief John McFarland.
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
On February 8, 2012, Reserve Deputy Don Williams of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office died in the line of duty.
Reserve Deputy Don Williams died after being involved in a single vehicle accident on South Union Avenue, near Martin Street, in Ozark.
He had just completed serving civil papers when his patrol car left the roadway and struck several parked cars. It is believed that he may have suffered a medical emergency prior to the accident.
Ebony Horton of the Dothan Eagle filed this report.
Seventeen years ago, a young Dale County Sheriff’s jailer began working alongside a sheriff’s reserve deputy who would influence his life in several ways.
That jailer is now Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson, and the reserve deputy was Don Williams.
Williams died Wednesday night after his patrol vehicle wrecked while on the way home from work. Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey said it appeared Williams suffered some sort of medical episode before the vehicle crashed.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash and no one else was injured, according to Spivey.
Olson said Williams was a reserve civil process server for the department and had just finished serving papers before the incident. As a reserve deputy, most his work for the county was completed for free.
“Don was just an extraordinary individual – the way he made people feel, his energy and the pride he had in the sheriff’s department. He has been through a lot, but the one thing he’s always done was take care of his family and never complained about anything. We’ve literally grown up together as a family in this department,” Olson said.
“He will never be able to be replaced.”
Williams’ brother-in-law, David Jerkins, said Williams also served as a security guard for Southeast Alabama Medical Center.
“He was well-loved by the family and an all-around nice guy. He’s known by a lot of people and for ages and ages he’s served,” Jerkins said.
“It’s a tragic loss. No matter how much you prepare for everything, you just never expect it.”
Dale County District Attorney Kirke Adams said Williams was a hardworking deputy who was dedicated to his position.
“What is a big loss for the law enforcement community tonight is an even bigger loss to the community in general. (Williams) will be dearly missed,” Adams said.
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Deputy Williams had served as a reserve deputy with the Dale County Sheriff’s Office for 17 years. He is survived by his wife and six children. Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of Reserve Deputy Don Williams.
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
On February 8, 2012, Paramedic Joshua Weissman of the Alexandria Fire Department died in the line of duty.
Our good friends at firefighterclosecalls are reporting that Alexandria Fire Department Joshua Weissman, 33, has died from injuries he sustained last evening while operating at a vehicle fire scene on I-395.
Paramedic Weissman, who is with the Seminary Road Fire Station in Alexandria, was extricated from the creek by Alexandria City and Arlington County Firefighters after falling from the Interstate and taken to Med Star with life threatening injuries.
The Alexandria ambulance reportedly parked on I-395 northbound, alongside the HOV lanes, to reach the burning vehicle.
There is a three foot gap between two cement barriers separating the lanes. Paramedic Weissman was reportedly climbing over one barrier to get to the HOV lanes when he fell.
A seven year veteran paramedic of the Alexandria Fire Department had been in critical condition Thursday morning after falling from a highway overpass during an emergency call in Shirlington yesterday.
Since joining the department, Weissman has stayed active, joining several medical services committees, training with interns and working on the agency’s mass casualty preparation plans.
He received an Alexandria Jaycees award during the group’s community appreciation night last year.
The department is offering counseling for personnel as well as comfort for Weissman’s family. The experienced Firefighter/Paramedic is married, but without children.
Paramedic Weissman had also served the Cayuga Heights Fire Department (New York) and for Bang’s Ambulance Service in Ithaca before moving to Virginia. Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of Paramedic Joshua Weissman.
Cards and letters of condolence can be sent to: Adam K. Thiel, Fire Chief 900 Second Street Alexandria, VA 22003 703-746.5200 http://alexandriava.gov/Fire
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
Dramatic Video~ Police Officer Diosino Medina pulls an unconscious person from a burning vehicle!
On behalf of every Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, and EMT/Paramedic in the United States, the American First Responder Institute extends congratulations to Police Officer Diosino Medina of the San Diego Police Department!
A San Diego police officer is being called a hero after rushing into the scene of a flaming car wreck to pull the unconscious driver to safety.
The accident happened around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on eastbound Balboa Ave. near Clairemont Drive.
Officer Diosino Medina saw the flames as he was driving west on Balboa Ave.He jumped into action, breaking the driver’s side window and pulling the driver out. The man was unconscious but breathing and later came to.
The driver told police his Honda had broken down in the number one lane on eastbound Balboa Ave.when he was rear-ended by a pick-up truck. His car’s gas tank ruptured and sparked the fire.
Lt. David Rohowits says Officer Medina was in the right place at the right time, and the driver likely would have died if not for Medina’s heroic actions.
Both drivers were transported to local hospitals but are expected to be ok. Investigators say they do not believe any alcohol was involved.
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
On February 1, 2012, Paramedic Firefighter Douglas “Doug” Haase of the City of St. Charles Fire Department died in the line of duty.
Firefighter/Engineer/Paramedic Haase served his 27 year career with the City ofSt. Charles Fire Department. He also served as the Fire Chief of Lincoln County Fire Protection District from 1982 to 1984. Additionally Paramedic Haase served the Lincoln County Ambulance District from 1980 to 1995. He proudly served these communities with courage, compassion and integrity.
Fire Department spokesman Dan Casey said Haase had no apparent health issues.
“It was a big shock to everybody,” he said. “He was an all-around good guy.”
Batalion Chief David Lewis said Haase was a calming presence and was the voice of reason during stressful times, helping firefighters deal with difficult calls.
“He was our Papa Smurf,” Lewis said. “He’d always have an ear for you, always have fatherly advice.”
Funeral arrangements have been set forSt. Charlesfirefighter-paramedic/engineer Douglas Haase, 60, who was found dead in bed near the end of his shift at a fire station Wednesday morning.
Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 5 from 2 to 8 pm. with a firefighter walkthrough at 7:30 p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral home,1304 Boone StreetinTroy,Mo.
Funeral services will be Monday, Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Backstoppers,P.O. Box 66927,St. Louis,MO,63166.
Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of Paramedic Firefighter Douglas Haase.
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
On February 3, 2012, Police Officer Steven Green of the Mobile Police Department was murdered in the line of duty.
Officer Green, 36, was stabbed to death by a prisoner outside of the Mobile County Metro Jail at approximately 3:50 pm.
The subject had been arrested by an off duty police officer earlier in the day when he attempted to rob a dollar store.
He had approached the store’s checkout counter, demanded money, then lit the counter on fire after spraying it with lighter fluid. An off-duty officer shopping in the store tackled him and took him into custody.
He was processed at the police station and was being transported to the county jail by Officer Green when he attacked and fatally stabbed Officer Green outside of the jail complex.
The subject then stole the officer’s service weapon and patrol car. Other officers pursued the suspect to a home off of Dauphin Island Parkwaywhere he engaged them in a shootout, wounding one officer in the arm. The suspect suffered a fatal gunshot wound during the exchange of shots.
Green has been an officer since May 2010. He served the department in the First Precinct and was currently on assignment at the Fifth Precinct.
Chief Williams said, “It is a sad day for the Mobile Police Force and for law enforcement. Our sympathy certainly goes to Officer Green’s wife and family.”
Cards and letters of condolence can be sent to:
Chief of Police Michael T. Williams
Mobile Police Department
2460 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36606
(251) 208-1700
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
On February 18, 2012, Sergeant Michael May of the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department was murdered in the line of duty.
