Firefighter Fatality

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality:


Name: John Kelly
Rank: Firefighter - Chief Driver
Age: 51
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: Pending
Date of Incident: 09/06/2010
Time of Incident: 1837hrs
Date of Death: 09/06/2010
Fire Department: Tarrytown Fire Department
Address: PO Box 158, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Fire Department Chief: Peter Saracelli
Fire Department Website: http://tarrytownfd.org/

Incident Description: Firefighter Kelly died after being overcome by fumes while climbing down into an approximately 15-foot manhole attempting to rescue a village Department of Public Works employee, Anthony Ruggiero, also a volunteer firefighter with Hope Hose Company Engine 79. Ruggiero, who also died in the incident, had been investigating a reported sewer system problem in the area and was overcome by fumes as he descended into the manhole.

According to press reports, a hazardous materials team measured the oxygen level at 14 percent after the men were pulled out. An assistant fire chief for the fire department was quoted as saying he did not know if deadly gases were detected.

Investigation of the incident by local and State authorities continues.

Incident Location: Pending
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter - Chief Driver John Kelly at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 55 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2010; 53 from incidents that occurred in 2010 and 2 from previous year incidents. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online @ http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm