Honoring

Deputy Richard Mendez

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

EOW: Oct. 12, 2023 | Age: 50 | Tour: 22 Years

Police Officer Richard Mendez was shot and killed at the Philadelphia International Airport's Garage D at about 11:00 p.m. He and his partner arrived in the parking garage, preparing to start their shift, when they observed subjects breaking into a vehicle. As they approached the men, the subjects fired at them. Officer Mendez was struck multiple times, and his partner was shot in the arm. Officer Mendez was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds at 11:34 p.m. The suspects fled in a stolen vehicle. One of the suspects, who died from gunshot wounds, was dropped off at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The rest of the suspects remained at large until October 16, 2023, when an 18-year-old suspect was arrested. Officer Mendez had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for almost 23 years and was assigned to the Airport Unit. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Honoring

Lieutenant Milton Resendez

San Benito Police Department, Texas

EOW: Oct. 17, 2023 | Age: 52 | Tour: 30 Years

Lieutenant Milton Resendez was shot and killed during a police pursuit at the 1100 block of North Sam Houston Boulevard in San Benito. At 10:58 p.m., the San Benito Police Department was notified that a fleeing vehicle being pursued by the Texas Department of Public Safety was entering their jurisdiction. Lieutenant Resendez was traveling north on North Sam Houston Boulevard when the fleeing vehicle approached from the southbound lanes. The subjects fired at his patrol vehicle. One bullet hit the front of his vehicle, and the second struck the driver's side door. One of the bullets pierced Lieutenant Resendez in the abdomen below his vest. He was transported to Valley Baptist Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The two subjects were arrested after a pit maneuver stopped their vehicle. They have been charged with evading arrest, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and capital murder. Lieutenant Resendez had served with the San Benito Police Department for 27 years and previously served with the Brownsville Police Department and Palm Valley Police Department.

Honoring

Chief Timothy “TJ” M. Johnson

Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, Pennsylvania

EOW: Oct. 17, 2023 | Age: 56 | Tour: None

On Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, Chief Timothy “TJ” M. Johnson responded to an EMS call at a residence. Upon returning to the station approximately an hour later, he complained of indigestion and an upset stomach. Chief Johnson went home and less than 10 minutes later, 9-1-1 was called to his residence. He was immediately rushed to the hospital where he passed away on Tuesday morning, Oct. 17, 2023, from an apparent heart attack.

Honoring

Firefighter Cameron Craig

Abingdon Fire Department, Virginia

EOW: Oct. 19, 2023 | Age: 20 | Tour: None

On October 19, 2023, Firefighter Cameron Craig was responding to a fire alarm call as a passenger in a fire department truck when the truck was involved in a crash. Firefighter Craig was fatally injured and pronounced deceased at the scene.

Honoring

Firefighter Colin Reedy

West Whiteland Fire Company, Pennsylvania

EOW: Oct. 20, 2023 | Age: 25 | Tour: None

It is with profound sadness The West Whiteland Fire Company announces the Line of Duty Death of Firefighter Colin Reedy. Firefighter Colin Reedy and Firefighter Emily Gindele were responding to an alarm on Friday night (10/20) during a heavy downpour when their vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Firefighter Reedy succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Firefighter Gindele is under care at Paoli Memorial Hospital in critical but stable condition. We ask that you keep the families of both firefighters and our members in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

Honoring

Firefighter Rodney Pitts III

Baltimore City Fire Department, Maryland

EOW: Oct. 20, 2023 | Age: 31 | Tour: None

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — EMT Firefighter Rodney Pitts III, 31, has been identified as the first responder who died while fighting a fire in Northwest Baltimore yesterday afternoon, according to Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace. During a press conference Friday, Chief Wallace revealed Firefighter Pitts was one of two firefighters who had to be rescued after the fire suddenly strengthened while the Department was attempting to extinguish it. "We believe two were inside. The three that were subsequently burned were part of the rescue," said Wallace. Exactly what went wrong and how remains under investigation, as well as what caused the fire and where it started. According to the Department, firefighters responded to reports of a fire in the 5200-block of Linden Heights Avenue around 3:45 pm October 19. Once there, investigators say firefighters were met with heavy smoke and fire. Chief Wallace said firefighters were focused on putting out the fire in the home that was occupied when it suddenly strengthened. "This fire evolved so quickly," said Wallace. Four other firefighters were injured in the fire.