Fallen Firefighters
Nebraska Fallen Firefighters by the Month:
January 5, 1980, Acting Capt. Clayton B. Shaner, Jr. – Omaha Fire FAE – Engine 22, Heart attack while fighting auto fire at Abbott Drive & Ave. H.
January 13, 1933, Battalion Chief Homer S. Howes – Omaha Fire Dist 1, Smoke inhalation & injuries Browning-King Clothing Fire 1501-03 Douglas Street.
January 22, 1927, Eric W. Sandberg – Omaha Jr. Captain, Hose Company #12, responding to a call he slipped, fell and was run over by Ladder 4 who was also responding.
January 23, 1993, Francis M. Nichols – Imperial VFD, Died of a heart attack while working inside of a grain bin, removing grain after a fire.
January 26, 1927, George Kanger – Omaha Fire Hose 21-Trauma – Apparatus collision with a private vehicle at 26th & L.
5 LODD’s in January
February 3, 2000, FF John H. Love – Waterloo VFD – Suffered a heart attack about at time of an emergency rescue call at 4:30 a.m.
February 8, 1933, Capt. Edward Schmidt – Omaha Fire Engine 14- Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.
February 8, 1933, Capt. Thomas N. Shandy – Omaha Fire Engine 10- Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.
February 8, 1933, John G. Brandt – Omaha Fire Engine 10- Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.
February 8, 1933, John L. Cogan – Omaha Fire Engine 10- Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.
February 8, 1933, Franklin Kane – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 6 – Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.
February 9, 1933, Louis Morocco – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 4 –Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.
February 9, 1933, Clarence L. Urban – Omaha Inspections Bureau –Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.
February 15, 2004, Capt. Bobby Heminger – Wood River Vol. Fire/Rescue – Killed in a roof collapse while attempting to save an elderly woman.
February 18, 1939 – FF Matthew Noe – Wymore Vol. Fire/Rescue – Killed in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a call.
February 17, 2004, Capt. Kenny Woitalewicz – Wood River Vol. Fire/Rescue – Died from injuries sustained in the roof collapse during a house fire and while attempting to save an elderly woman.
February 18, 1941, Albert Mook – Lincoln Fire, heart failure after responding on a call.
February 26, 1939, Capt. Edward J. Dodrill – Omaha Fire Engine 10 – Apparatus Collision with private auto at 28th & Pacific St.
February 26, 1939, John E. Jackson – Omaha Fire Engine 10 Apparatus Collision with private auto at 28th & Pacific St.
February 27, 1960, Capt. Edward T. Moore – Omaha Fire Engine 15 – Heart Attack while fighting house fire.
February 27, 2005, Michael A. Aunkst – Benedict Fire Dept. – Heart Attack while fighting a barn fire.
February 27, 2002, Diana S. Rosene – Cortland Fire Dept – Killed in a motor vehicle accident after training while returning home.
17 LODD’s in February
March 7, 1929, Fred Felgner -Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.
March 7, 1929, Guy Clark – Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.
March 7, 1929, Gus Pittack – Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.
March 7, 1929, Arthur Schoeneck – Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.
March 7, 1929, William F. Strube – Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.
March 7, 1929, Harry Wibbles – Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.
March 8, 1996, Vinton LeRoy Durflinger – Alexandria Vol. Fire & Rescue, Heart Attack while checking suspected house fire.
March 10, 1914, Patrick Dore – Omaha Fire Hose 12 –Trauma – fell while attempting to board a rig and was run over by Hose #12.
March 10, 1975 – Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Paul R. Thein – Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office – Died from injuries sustained in a Motor Vehicle Accident while on a call.
March 13, 2003, Capt. Richard K. Cuba – Lincoln Fire- Died from Occupational Cancer. IAFF
March 16, 1999, Chuck J. Vodak – Dunning Vol. Fire Dept, Died from a Heart Attack while fighting a grass fire.
March 20, 1928, John Haller – Omaha Fire Engine 1 –Trauma, fall from the roof– Barker Block Office Bldg fire at 306 S. 15th Street.
March 20, 2002, Bernes J. “Bernie” Schutte – Palisade Vol. Fire Dept, Died from a Heart Attack fighting a grass fire.
March 28, 1930, Thomas G. Hastings – Omaha Fire Engine 8, Killed in accident, Engines 8 and 12 collided at 40th & Farnum Street enroute to a fire.
March 28, 1930, Charles Baarman – Omaha Fire Engine 8, Killed in accident, Engines 8 and 12 collided at 40th & Farnum Street enroute to a fire.
March 30, 1964, Kenneth McKay – Lincoln Fire – Killed in an apparatus accident with a private vehicle at 10th & L street.
16 LODD’S in March
April 7, 2022, Chief Darren Krull– Elwood Fire, Killed when in an apparatus rollover when it was struck by a tanker during wildland firefighting operations with zero visibility.
April 1, 1981, Harley Grasmick – Lincoln Fire FAO, Killed in an apparatus vs. train accident while responding on a call.
April 7, 1994, Ronald V. Carlson – Blue Creek Rural VFD, Killed in an apparatus rollover while responding to a brush fire.
April 7, 1930, Henry R. Kemplin – Falls City Fire & Rescue Department, died in the line of duty while fighting a fire at the JC Penny’s Department Store.
April 13, 1891, Michael F Carter – Captain Omaha Fire Hose Company #2, Killed in a wall collapse at the Paxton Annex Bldg, 14th & Farnum.
April 16, 2015, Andy Zalme – Dakota City Fire Department, Died from a heart attack while on scene of a vehicle fire.
April, 18, 1900, John McCumber – Omaha Fire Hose 8 –Died from injuries sustained on 06/17/1899 when a keg of gunpowder exploded as he was attempting to move it at the Allen Brothers Wholesale Grocer Fire 902-14 Jones Street.
April 19, 1983, Capt. Barney E. Conley – Omaha Fire Rescue Squad 51 –Died of a heart attack following a motor vehicle accident.
April 20, 1997, William Babka Co-Pilot– Private – Fighting a wildland fire in Blair County Pennsylvania crashed in low visibility after coming in contact with trees. Hirth Air Tanker; under contract with Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, Harrisburg PA. Belevidere NE.
April 23, 1996, Capt. John P. Goessling – Omaha Fire. Killed in a building collapse-6618 N. 30th Street.
10 LODD’S in April
May 7, 1985, Erwin N. Sample – Alliance Volunteer Fire, died of a brain aneurysm following a call.
May 9, 2014, Capt. Laura M. Larson – Omaha Fire – Died from occupational cancer. IAFF.
May 19, 1977, Capt. Joseph F. Netusil – Omaha Fire Engine 1, Died of a heart attack while fighting a fire at the Hamilton Hotel 2408 Farnum.
May 19, 1972, Deputy State Fire Marshal – Michael D. Hartman. Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office. Died of injuries sustained during a motor vehicle accident.
May 25, 1890, Clarence Protsman – Lincoln Fire.
May 25, 1890, Joseph Thornburg – Lincoln Fire.
May 30, 1920, Charles Roesky – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 1 – Killed in a motor vehicle accident when Hook & Ladder 1 and Hose No. 1 collided at 14th & Douglas St.
7 LODD’s in May
June 3, 1893, Capt. Charles D. Cox -Omaha Fire Hose 7, Killed in a collapse at Shiverick Furniture Store fire at 1206 Farnum.
June 3, 1893, Robert P. Oury – Omaha Fire Hose 7, Killed in a collapse at Shiverick Furniture Store fire at 1206 Farnum.
June 3, 2001, Jack D. Bruns – Lincoln Fire – Fire Inspector, Died from occupational Cancer. IAFF.
June 4, 1965, Loren H. Desler – Omaha Fire Engine 6, Died from smoke inhalation at Swanson Office bldg. 8401 Dodge Street.
June 4, 1965, Samuel M. Douchey – Omaha Fire Aerial 3, Died from smoke inhalation at Swanson Office bldg. at 8401 Dodge Street.
June 12, 2013, Robert Hanes Sr. – Weeping Water Rescue, Ambulance Driver. Trauma from a head on accident with the ambulance and a private vehicle where the other driver crossed the center line.
June 18, 1899, Lt. Thomas Ruane – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 3, Died from injuries sustained when a keg of gunpowder exploded as he was attempting to move it at the Allen Brothers Wholesale Grocer, 902-14 Jones Street.
June 21, 2002, Phillip H. Herring – Pilot Life Net Norfolk Helicopter, killed in a Crash.
June 21, 2002, Lori Ann Schrempp – Flight Nurse Life Net Norfolk Helicopter, killed in a crash.
June 21, 2002, Patrick W. Scollard – Flight Paramedic Life Net Norfolk Helicopter, killed in a crash.
June 26, 1906, John Curran – Lincoln Fire.
June 27, 2016, Captain Eric Speck – Dakota City Fire Department, died of heart attack following a medical call.
12 LODD’s in June
July 4, 1982, Deputy Chief Robert R. Gardner -Lincoln Fire. Died of a heart attack.
July 8, 1984, Patricia Beran – Crofton Volunteer Fire. Died in an accident involving the ambulance she was a passenger in.
July 12, 1925, Fred Heavrin – Bloomfield VFD – Killed in a chemical fire engine explosion while fighting a popcorn machine fire.
July 12, 1979, Steve Campbell – Waterloo VFD – Killed in an apparatus vs. train accident while responding to a false alarm.
July 12, 1979, Sterling Embrey – Waterloo VFD – Killed in an apparatus vs. train accident while responding to a false alarm.
July 13, 1892, William G. Flood – Omaha Fire – Hose Company #9, Died from injuries sustained when the fire department horse fell on him going to blacksmith.
July 16, 1979, Terry Mazur – Waterloo VFD – Died of injuries sustained in an apparatus vs. train accident while responding to a false alarm.
July 23, 1880, Walter J. Lowry – Omaha Fire, fell from apparatus Hose #2 at 16th and Farnum.
July 25, 1973, Harold N. Cormany Jr. – Omaha Fire Driver Snorkel #1, Died from moke inhalation at fire at 2870 Cass Street.
July 28, 1975 – Carl C. McQueen – Ogallala Fire & Rescue, died after being crushed by falling material while fighting a boxcar fire.
July 3, 2016 – FF David Luedtke – Lincoln Fire & Rescue, Died of occupational cancer. IAFF.
July 27, 2016 – FF Rob Taylor, Fremont Fire Department, Died of occupational cancer. IAFF.
12 LODD’S in July
August 6, 2003, Ron Holmes – North Platte Fire – Killed in an ambulance crash when rear-ended by semi.
August 7, 1915, Mansfield Rohrbaugh – Lincoln Fire.
August 8, 2002, Capt. Floyd A. Miller – Lincoln Fire. Died of occupational melanoma carcinoma. IAFF.
August 9, 1899, Lt. James Adams – Omaha Fire Hose 3- Electrocuted at the
Mercer chemical fire when the ladder struck power line while being moved, 1112 Howard Street.
August 9, 1899, George Bendson – Omaha Fire Hose 3- Electrocuted at the Mercer chemical fire when the ladder struck power line while being moved, 1112 Howard Street.
August 9, 1899, Otto Giseke – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 1 – Electrocuted at the Mercer chemical fire when the ladder struck power line while being moved, 1112 Howard Street.
August 9, 1899, Charles A. Hopper – Omaha Fire Hose 3- Electrocuted at the Mercer chemical fire when the aerial ladder struck power line while being moved, 1112 Howard Street.
August 13, 2014, Darrell Parker – Fairbury Rural Fire District –Died from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a fire alarm.
August 17, 1913, Lt. Tony Fleischer – Grand Island Fire, Electrocuted while operating a hose line at the Palmer House stable fire. An overhead power line dropped shortly after the hose lines were laid, striking Lt. Fleischer and killing him.
9 LODD’S in August
September 4, 1878, Alonzo Randall – Omaha Fire, Company 3, Killed in a collapse at Grand Central Hotel Fire at 14th & Farnum Street.
September 4, 1878, Lewis Wilson – Omaha Fire Company 3, Killed in a collapse at Grand Central Hotel Fire at 14th and Farnum Street.
September 4, 1878, John A. Lee – Omaha Fire Hose Company 3, Killed in a collapse at Grand Central Hotel Fire at 14th and Farnum Street.
September 4, 1878, William McNamara – Omaha Fire Engine #2, Killed in a collapse at Grand Central Hotel Fire at 14th and Farnum Street.
September 5, 1878, Henry Lokfeld – Omaha Fire Hose Company 3, Killed in a collapse at Grand Central Hotel Fire at 14th and Farnum Street.
September 14, 2003, Ricky Blodgett – Omaha Fire. Died of occupational Cancer. IAFF.
September 27, 1954, Carl T. Krogh – Omaha Fire, Died from severe burns while driving Ladder 8 away from fire scene to protect the rig. 1913 Davenport Street.
September 11, 2016 – FF Lowell Satterwhite Sr. – Dakota City Fire & Rescue. Died from a heart attack following a medical call.
8 LODD’S in September
October 2, 1893, Alfred C. Gjerum – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 1-Killed in a collapse at the Farnham Street Theatre Fire.
October 2, 1920, Chief Neil T. Sommer – Lincoln Fire- Killed in a motor vehicle accident enroute to a fire.
October 3, 1916, John Q. Adams – Omaha Fire, Hose Company #15, Killed in a collapse during overhaul at the Morris Packing Company, 2615 Q. Street.
October 9, 1987, Willis E. Leyden – Lincoln Fire FAO Engine 3 –Died from a heart attack after a call.
October 9, 1961, Capt. James N. Rubeck – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 5 –Killed in an apparatus vs. gravel truck collision.
October 18, 1939, Andrew Kastens – Chief of Syracuse VFD – Died from traumatic injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident enroute to a fire.
October 30, 1920, Fred Blazek – Omaha Fire Engine #1 –Killed in a collapse at Schmoeller-Moeller Piano Company fire, 1108-10 Douglas Street.
7 LODD’S in October
November 5, 2007, Jeremy Wach – Wymore Vol. Fire & Rescue, Killed in the collapse during a house fire.
November 11, 2019, Chief John Sing – Boys Town Fire Department. Died of a heart attack following a call.
November 14, 1954, Honorary member Rt. Chief Leo Lennemann, Snyder Volunteer Fire. Died of a head injury when a pile of tires, lumber and other items, which had been soaked with gasoline, exploded and flying debris hit him in the head. During a training exercise.
November 18, 1934, William Bayless – Omaha Fire. Fell from the Engine Company #4 at 13th & Jackson and died one year later from his injuries.
November 18, 1990, Gene Keith Copple – Homer Fire Department, Traumatic head and neck injuries sustained from a fall from and aerial while performing rescue operations.
November 26, 1903, Lt. William M. Burmester – Omaha Fire House 2 – Killed in the collapse of Allen Brother Grocery fire at 902-14 Jones Street.
November 26, 1903, Lt. William A. Barrett – Omaha Fire Hose 2 – Killed in the collapse of Allen Brother Grocery fire at 902-14 Jones Street.
November 26, 1903, Herbert C. Goldsborough – Omaha Fire Hose 2 –Killed in the collapse of Allen Brother Grocery fire at 902-14 Jones Street.
November 26, 1903, Leroy W, Lester – Omaha Fire Hose 2 –Killed in the collapse of Allen Brother Grocery fire at 902-14 Jones Street.
9 LODD’S in November
December 1, 2006, Leo H. Soderquist – Axtell Vol. Fire & Rescue, Heart Attack after fighting a house fire.
December 4, 1928, Henry Goth – Omaha Fire Engine 3–Died from injuries sustained in a building collapse 10/30/20, Schoeller & Mueller Piano Company at 1108-10 Douglas Street.
December 5, 1989, Battalion Chief John A. Wilcox – Omaha Fire District 2 – C shift. Died from Injuries received when struck by passing motorist at fire scene at 6343 N. 24th Street.
December 5, 1914, Robert S. Skinner,- Broken Bow Volunteer Fire Department. Died as a result of injuries sustained while fighting the Broken Bow Steam Bakery fire on November 23, 1914.
December 18, 1972, Chief Sterling Mutz – SouthWest Rural Fire Department. Killed in a motor vehicle accident while responding on a call.
December 19, 2017 Jedd Bohlender – Grand Island Fire Department. Died of occupational pancreatic cancer – *IAFF
December 20, 1985, Pilot Craig Budden – Kearney NE, killed when their Bell 206L Medic helicopter crashed into a hill 20 miles south of Long Pine Friday during bad weather while enroute to Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth, Neb. to pick up a patient.
December 20, 1985, Nurse Joan Brown – Kearney NE, killed when their Bell 206L Medic helicopter crashed into a hill 20 miles south of Long Pine Friday during snowy weather while enroute to Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth, Neb. to pick up a critically injured patient.
December 20, 1985, Nurse Nancy Brandon – Kearney, NE. killed when their Bell 206L Medic helicopter crashed into a hill 20 miles south of Long Pine Friday during snowy weather while enroute to Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth, Neb. to pick up a critically injured patient.
December 25, 1982, Arnold Hansen – Belden VFD. Died from injuries sustained in a fall from an apparatus.
December 29, 1894, Lt. Eli F. Kling – Omaha Fire – Thrown from hook & ladder #1 and ran over while enroute to a fire. 1508 Farnum Street.
11 LODD’S in December
