Honoring

Firefighter Thomas Berry III

Georgetown Fire Company, Delaware

EOW: Aug. 13, 2024 | Age: 23 | Tour: None

A Delaware firefighter was killed Tuesday afternoon when he stopped to render aid to a vehicle crash victim. Ellendale Firefighter Thomas "Tommy" Berry III, 23, was prounced dead at the scene. Aerial photos on WBOC showed a car with extensive front end damage, a broken utility pole and wires down. Berry, a logistics technician with Sussex County Emergency Medical Services, also was a member of Georgetown Fire Company. Sussex County officials ordered county flags to be lowered to half-staff. “We are beyond heartbroken at this loss of such a dedicated and caring young man who exemplified public service until his last moments on this earth, His selfless act in a moment of need is one that will be long remembered by his friends and colleagues and by all of us at County government. As tragic as this loss of life is, his heroism is something we should all be proud of and thankful for, and we hold his family, co-workers, and all his brothers and sisters in the fire service in our hearts and prayers in this most difficult time," County Council President Michael H. Vincent said. Delaware State Police are invesigating the circumstances that led to Berry's death. Responders and civilians lined the streets in Georgetown as emergency vehicles drove by the fire hall as they escorted Berry's body from the incident scene to the Delaware Medical Examiner’s Office.

Honoring

Firefighter Matthew E. Forand

New Bedford Fire Station 9, Massachusetts

EOW: Aug. 15, 2024 | Age: 45 | Tour: None

A decorated New Bedford firefighter was found dead in his fire station Thursday. Firefighter Matthew E. Forand, 45, who was on duty, apparently suffered an unknown medical emergency during the night. Forand had been with the department since 2006, according to a statement posted on New Bedford's Facebook page. He received the Medal of Valor at the 2014 Firefighter of the Year Awards for rescuing an unconscious occupant from the second floor of a burning building on Dartmouth Street. He also received a Unit Citation as a member of Engine Co. 6 for his efforts battling the Royal Crown Apartment fire in March 2023. Fire Chief Scott Kruger issued a statement on the loss: "On behalf of the New Bedford Fire Department and all our members, I want to express our most heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family and loved ones, especially his two children. I also want to pledge the Department’s support for them in a time of sadness. This is an unspeakable loss for them, for his brother and sister firefighters, and for our community."

Honoring

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Cunningham

Paulding County Sheriff's Office, Georgia

EOW: Aug. 17, 2024 | Age: 30 | Tour: 4 Years

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Cunningham was shot and killed while responding to a domestic call in Hiram. Shortly after 6:00 p.m., Deputy Cunningham and his partner arrived at the home and were ambushed with a hail of gunfire as soon as they exited their vehicle. Responding officers were also met with a stream of gunfire. When a female attempted to leave the home, she was shot. Deputy Cunningham was transported to a local hospital where he died from his wounds. The suspect was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputy Cunningham had served with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office for over four years. He was survived by two children.

Honoring

Firefighter Rodrick Shane Lambert

Wayne Township Fire Department, Indianapolis

EOW: Aug. 10, 2024 | Age: 52 | Tour: None

On Wednesday, May 24, 1995, Firefighter Rodrick Shane Lambert was paralyzed when the fire engine in which he was riding overturned. Since that time, he has been in a wheelchair. He passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from medical complications from the accident. One other firefighter, Ronald Deer, was killed in the incident; two others received minor injuries. Firefighter Lambert and Firefighter Deer were in the back of the engine and were not wearing seatbelts when the accident occurred. The raised roof of the engine separated from the cab when it overturned, and they were thrown from the engine. The engine was responding on a box alarm which turned out to be a false alarm.

Honoring

Fire Police Officer Brian Peek

Goldsboro Fire Company, Pennsylvania

EOW: Aug. 16, 2024 | Age: 67 | Tour: None

The York County Coroner’s Office has identified the volunteer fire police officer who was struck and killed while directing traffic on Friday afternoon. Brian Peek, 67, of Newberry Township, was identified as the deceased. An autopsy will be performed Monday, according to the coroner’s office. Peek was directing traffic near the intersection of Red Mill and Corn Hill roads due to a crash that occurred down the street at Red Mill and Yocumtown roads, according to police and fire officials. He was struck by a vehicle around 2:20 p.m., according to police. A coroner’s deputy pronounced him dead at the scene roughly ten minutes later. The coroner’s office said Sunday that “we express our heartfelt gratitude to the fallen fire police officer for their service to our community. Our condolences are extended to the family and the emergency fire and medical services for the loss of a friend.”