A firefighter passed away tonight in a LODD

[tonydahose]

I am not putting his name here because it hasn't been released yet to the news. He was an instructor when i was in the academy. He was supposed to be the hardass but he kept joking around because it was just his personality. It is actually hard to type this as i remember some of the good times we had. I have been to way too many funerals for firemen lately. This is just all messed up.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/loca ... 1587.story

firefighter died tonight after he and another firefighter were injured in a 2-11 alarm fire that spread quickly through a South Side home this evening, apparently trapping crews inside in a flashover fire.

One firefighter from the fire in the 2300 block of West 50th Place was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn for treatment and the other was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, both initially in serious-to-critical condition, Fire Department spokeswoman Meg Ahlheim said.

The firefighter at U. of C. died at the U. of C. emergency room after paramedics had to perform CPR on him at the scene, said Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford.

The victim at U. of C. recently was promoted to captain, Ahlheim said. The one taken to Christ Medical Center was admitted in good condition, she said.

Firefighters on the scene called a Mayday response for a trapped firefighter, but the firefighter was located, and the response secured, Ahlheim said.

The firefighters may have been trapped in a flashover, in which a building bursts into flame suddenly, Langford said.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 5:15 p.m. for the fire in the Gage Park neighborhood. The building was a frame home, 2-1/2 stories tall and about 25 feet by 40 feet, Ahlheim said.

In addition to the 2-11 alarm, an Emergency Medical Services Plan 1, which sends six ambulances to the scene, also was called.

Four adults and four children were displaced by the house fire, Ahlheim said.

Karla Delgado, 22, was visiting her aunt who lives at the home when the fire started.

Delgado said there were eight children in the living room and the adults were in the second-floor kitchen when they started to see smoke coming from the kitchen window.

"First it was a little smoke and then it was a lot," Delgado said.

So everyone came down stairs and got out of the house, she said. A family dog also was injured.

A couple live on the first floor, Delgado said.

The family will likely spend the night at another relative’s house, she said.

The fire originally was in the attic when firefighters arrrived, and both firefighters were injured inside the building, said Ahlheim.

[Jazz]

Sorry to hear that, Tony. Stay safe, and thank you for what you do, bro.

- best wishes, Jazz.

[Clip]

Tony, sorry to hear. I'll say a prayer for him, his family and all of you guys. As Jazz said, thanks for all you do.

[jackknifeh]

I'm sorry about this. Can't imagine what it would be like to have a life or occupation where your friends and you can risk your life daily. Thanks for what you do.

[Half Sack]

People that do this type of work are taken for granted. Its difficult work that I find even hard to imagine doing myself.

Sorry that you had to suffer this type of loss, but keep in mind the people that he has saved over the years, not only himself but in the people he's trained.

I've got family training to do the same and while I appreciate everyone who does these jobs I fear going through what you are experiencing now. Just know that people respect you for what you do.
Thanks

[Pinetreebbs]

Prayers for the family and his coworkers.

[flipe8]

Sorry to read this, Brother. Prayers sent.

[Water Bug]

Sorry to hear of his loss, Tony. First responders have been very busy this week, especially when Hurricane Sandy arrived.

It is very sad that many people take firefighters for granted. I've seen the indifference that some people have towards what firefighters do too many times.

Best wishes to your fallen colleague, his family, his friends, and fellow firefighters. Many thanks for his service. And, thank you, Tony, for your service.

[Blerv]

Sorry to hear Tony . You guys deserve more admiration than words can describe.

[Truckie453]

RIP brother

[BAL]

Thanks for posting Tony. We all need the reminder of what is really important.
Brave men take their lives into danger everyday to save others. Sometimes they
give their lives in this endevour. What a price to have to pay. I feel for their
family, friends and co-workers.

[tonydahose]

I just came back from the funeral. It was sad but we gave him a good send off. There had to be well over 2000 firefighters there, some as far away as Canada. Rest In Peace Herbie, you will be missed.

http://www.wgntv.com/news/local/breakin ... full.story

[kbuzbee]

I'll lift one in his memory, brother.

You stay safe!

Ken

[gull wing]

Hats off to the men/women in the FD.

[SkullBouncer]

Mannn how did I miss this... words are difficult in times of such tragic loss.
May God Bless and Keep You, Herbie. Prayers Sent.

My condolences go out to his family, friends and fellow firefighters.
Thank you for this post, Tony. My heart goes out as well to you being personally acquainted with him also, in the face of this painful event. He's obviously touched and enriched your life, and God knows the lives of others still, on multiple levels.

Y'all be safe out there.
- Bruce G. / FORRESTAL Sailor

[tonydahose]

thanks guys, i just rcvd this in an email. These are signs from where he lived on the south side of Chicago.

[Bladekeeper]

Tonydahose it's a raw time the following days/ weeks after a funeral it never gets easier and grief can be overwhelming that you have paid upmost respect in remembering your friend will hopefully be of some comfort.
To live on in the hearts of those we love is to live forever .

[Donut]

My condolences. I am sure he will be remembered by the people he has taught, helped and saved.

[tonydahose]

thanks everyone, just found out a guy from my house who has been battling cancer passed away at age 47. what a sh*tty month this has been already.

[SkullBouncer]

I'm so sorry, man. Just awoke and read this, another terrible loss absolutely at an already difficult time. The irony is cutting that in your line of work and Brotherhood, you are our First Responders whom minimize catastrophies when they occur, save life, and in the face of this noble profession -- the life savers losing two of their own so closely together can rattle folks to their cores as these occurrences show.

But you must know that We Here Are With You ALL... Back You 1,000 %, as should Everyone (....you're spot on, Water Bug) and, know well that Resilience will win the day, again and again; Terrible loss will always be there; You ALWAYS rise to the occasion and combat it. Day After Day, Year After Year.
Lifetime After Lifetime.
How can one be sufficiently grateful to those that do this amazing work?? I know you're never after it, but thank you Tony And Crew nonetheless.

We are with you, brother.
This gentleman was two years my junior...and the Big 'C' is a real b*tch.

I pray you draw strength together from your fellow FFs, Family and Friends during this very difficult time. God Bless.

- Bruce