Bettendorf Professional Fire Fighters Association Bettendorf Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 3190


  Home   
 

 

"In the fire department, when duty is the motivating force, sacrifice will always follow."

Dennis Smith

 

 

 

 

Firefighter Line of Duty Fatalities 1977-2008

Each year in the United States and its protectorates, approximately 100 firefighters are killed while on duty and tens of thousands are injured. Although the number of firefighter fatalities has steadily decreased over the past 20 years, the incidence of firefighter fatalities per 100,000 incidents has actually risen. Despite a downward dip in the early 1990's, the level of firefighter fatalities is back up to the same levels experienced in the 1980's.

 Total
1977 157
1978 171
1979 126
1980 140
1981 135
1982 126
1983 113
1984 119
1985 126
1986 121
1987 131
1988 136
1989 119
1990 108
1991 108
1992 77
1993 81
1994 106
1995 103
1996 99
1997 100
1998 93
1999 114
2000 105
2001 105/450 *
2002 101
2003 113
2004 119
2005 115
2006 107
2007 118
2008 118

* Includes events related to September 11, 2001.

In the last decade, several high-profile incidents involving firefighter fatalities have brought national attention to the issue of firefighter mortality in the United States. While the attention from the national media has been fleeting, the awareness of the continued high level of fatalities has changed the fabric of the fire service and prompted many organizations and fire departments to initiate programs to protect firefighters.

Ultimately, some forces and circumstances that lead to firefighter fatalities are simply beyond human control. However, through research, study, training, improved operations, development of new technologies, the appropriate use of staffing, and other factors, it should be possible to significantly reduce the number of firefighters killed each year.

                           If you have any questions or comments, contact us at: info@iaff3190.orgIAFF  BULLDOG DECAL

 

 

Content managed by the Etomite Content Management System.