Firefighter Deaths at All-Time Low

Sixty-four firefighters died in on-duty deaths in 2012, the second-lowest annual total in 35 years, according to a report released this month.   

The report was written by the National Fire Protection Association, a non-profit that focuses on research, training, and education in fire, electrical, and building safety.

Loudoun County hasn’t reported an on-duty death since 1997, when volunteer firefighter John F. Lincoln, Jr. of the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Department died after responding to an emergency incident.

The Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management said that the department offers safety classes year round to keep up the record, said Deputy Chief Randall Shank.

“We want to make sure our people aren’t just physically fit when they are hired, but they maintain that throughout their career so they can do their job properly,” Shank said.

The department is also working on implementing a yearly performance test that would test several areas of physical fitness.

To view the 2012 Firefighter Fatality Report, visit www.nfpa.org.