Firefighter Fatality

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality:

Name: Jeremy Tighe

Rank: Firefighter/EMT
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 1
Date of Incident: 02/22/2012
Time of Incident: 2030
Date of Death: 02/22/2012

Fire Department: McCutchanville Fire Department
Address: 9219 Petersburg RD, Evansville, IN  47725
Fire Department Chief: Duane Halsema

 Incident Description: Firefighter Tighe passed away from injuries sustained when the apparatus he was riding in was involved in a single motor vehicle accident. According to initial reports, the apparatus left the roadway onto the shoulder and tipped on its’ side, striking a power utility pole causing extensive damage to the crew compartment, before coming to a final resting position in a drainage ditch.

Firefighter Tighe was reported to have been wearing seat restraints. The driver of the apparatus, Lieutenant Brandon Cason, was taken to the hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. The engine had cleared the scene of a residential carbon monoxide check, stopped for fuel, and was returning to the station when the incident occurred.

Incident Location: North St. Joe Avenue and Meier RD in Vanderburgh County, IN (USNG: 16S DH 47472 11033)

Funeral Arrangements: Pending

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter/EMT Jeremy Tighe at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 12 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online @ http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm