Philly Fire Dept Member Dies After Being Injured At Training

PHILADELPHIA – A longtime Philadelphia Fire Department member died Wednesday after being hurt during training exercises earlier this week, the fire department said.

Lt. Benny Hutchins, 62, died Wednesday at Aria-Torresdale hospital after experiencing a medical emergency at the Fire Academy in Holmesburg on Monday, June 25, the fire department said.

Hutchins served on multiple engine and ladder companies across the city since joining the PFD in 1984, according to the fire department.

He became a lieutenant in 2003, and was most recently assigned to Ladder 30 in Roxborough, where he had worked since January, the fire department said.

"We send our deepest condolences to the family as well as to our brothers and sisters at the Philadelphia Fire Department on the passing of Lt. Benny Hutchins," the Philadelphia Police Department said in a statement. "Lt. Hutchins served this city for 34 years and for that we can not thank him enough."

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of firefighter Lt. Benny Hutchins," Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statment Wednesday. "I am thankful for his outstanding service to our city during his 34-year career with the Philadelphia Fire Department."

All City of Philadelphia flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days in memory of Hutchins.

"Firefighters are heroes who put their lives on the line every single day in service to others," Kenney said. "We must honor their sacrifice, especially the sacrifices of a veteran firefighter like Lt. Hutchins. I extend my sincerest condolences to his family. Please keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

Hutchins' Funeral arrangements are pending, according to the fire department.

Image via Philadelphia Fire Department