Honoring

Firefighter Kurt Keilhofer

Mapleton Volunteer Fire Department

EOW: Dec. 6, 2022 | Age: 66 | Tour: N/A

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, Firefighter Kurt Keilhofer was at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on Route 655 in Union Township. While at the scene, another vehicle, not involved in the initial crash, hit Firefighter Keilhofer. He was immediately taken to the Penn Highlands Hospital in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where he was later pronounced deceased. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Honoring

Border Patrol Agent Raul Humberto Gonzalez, Jr.

United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border

EOW: Dec. 7, 2022 | Age: 38 | Tour: 10 years

Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez passed away from injuries sustained in an ATV accident while pursuing subjects illegally crossing the border near Mission at 1:00 am. Agent Gonzalez was traveling at high speed when he crashed. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Agent Gonzalez had served with the United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol for over ten years and was assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector McAllen Station. He is survived by his son, daughter, father, brother, grandmother, girlfriend, aunts, and uncles.

Honoring

Assistant Chief Zachary Paris

Community Fire Company of New Tripoli

EOW: Dec. 7, 2022 | Age: 36 | Tour: N/A

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, Assistant Chief Zachary Paris and Firefighter Marvin Gruber responded to a residential fire with possible entrapment, in West Penn Township. Approximately 1 hour into the fire, maydays were received from these firefighters on the second floor. On scene Rapid Intervention Teams went to rescue the 2 firefighters. They were removed and immediately transported to St. Luke’s Miners Hospital in Coaldale, PA.

Honoring

Firefighter Marvin Gruber

Community Fire Company of New Tripoli

EOW: Dec. 7, 2022 | Age: 59 | Tour: N/A

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, Assistant Chief Zachary Paris and Firefighter Marvin Gruber responded to a residential fire with possible entrapment, in West Penn Township. Approximately 1 hour into the fire, maydays were received from these firefighters on the second floor. On scene Rapid Intervention Teams went to rescue the 2 firefighters. They were removed and immediately transported to St. Luke’s Miners Hospital in Coaldale, PA.

Honoring

Reserve Deputy Brad Miller

Maury County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

EOW: Dec. 12, 2022 | Age: 68 | Tour: 19 Years

Reserve Deputy Brad Miller was killed in a vehicle crash on Highway 43 near Williamsport Pike while working a traffic detail at a construction zone. Another vehicle struck Deputy Miller's patrol car from behind, pushing it from the roadway. Deputy Miller had served with the Maury County Sheriff's Office for 19 years. He is survived by his wife, two children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Honoring

Firefighter/Paramedic Charles D. Swank

Washington Township Fire Department

EOW: Dec. 8, 2022 | Age: 39 | Tour: N/A

On Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, while attending fire department mandated training in Pensacola, Florida, Firefighter/Paramedic Charles D. Swank suffered a medical emergency. He was immediately transported to the local hospital where he passed away a short time later. The cause of his death has yet to be determined.

Honoring

Sergeant Steven Robin

Bay St. Louis Police Department, Mississippi

EOW: Dec. 14, 2022 | Age: 34 | Tour: N/A

Police Officer Branden Estorffe and Sergeant Steven Robin were shot and killed at about 4:30 am while conducting a welfare check on a woman and child sitting in a vehicle parked at the Motel 6 at 1003 U.S. 90. They had been speaking to the woman for approximately 30 minutes before making a request for child protective services. Moments later the woman opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Estorffe and Sergeant Robin. One of the officers was able to return fire but it is not known if he shot the subject, or if she committed suicide.

Honoring

Police Officer Branden Estorffe

Bay St. Louis Police Department, Mississippi

EOW: Dec. 14, 2022 | Age: 23 | Tour: N/A

Police Officer Branden Estorffe and Sergeant Steven Robin were shot and killed at about 4:30 am while conducting a welfare check on a woman and child sitting in a vehicle parked at the Motel 6 at 1003 U.S. 90. They had been speaking to the woman for approximately 30 minutes before making a request for child protective services. Moments later the woman opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Estorffe and Sergeant Robin. One of the officers was able to return fire but it is not known if he shot the subject, or if she committed suicide.

Honoring

Firefighter & Paramedic John Garner

Central Pierce County Fire, Washington | L726

EOW: Dec. 14, 2022 | Age: 45 | Tour: 16 Years

Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, along with the larger Pierce County fire service family, is mourning the death of Firefighter/Paramedic John Garner. John was found dead in his home by his fiancé on December 14, 2022. John’s public service started in the military, where he served in the Army as a Sergeant earning several ribbons and medals. John’s tenure in the fire service spans more than two decades, starting his career with the Ocean Shores Fire Department. John spent ten years with Ocean Shores before coming to Central Pierce Fire & Rescue. Not only was John a fantastic Firefighter and Paramedic, but he was also very active in the International Association of Firefighters with both Local 2109 and Local 726. John recently decided to join Central Pierce Fire & Rescue’s Water Rescue Team. John had been actively engaged in the training requirements for his new position, building skills to respond to water rescue incidents within the District and throughout Pierce County when requested. John’s strong commitment to humanity was present in so many ways throughout his career. John was a constant contributor to the Burn Foundation, providing food and toys for families through IAFF Local 726’s Adopt a Family Program. John actively participated in numerous other programs, including Coats for Kids and MDA-Fill the Boot. To say John gave more than he took would be an understatement. John was simply a great human! He is survived by his fiancee, 39, and her 13-year-old son.