U.S. Fire Administration

The U.S. Fire Administration has announced the official line of duty death of Lieutenant Steven Velasquez, 40, and Firefighter Michel Baik, 49, of the Bridgeport Fire Department on July 24, 2010.

Lieutenant Velasquez and Firefighter Baik were operating on the third floor of a burning residential structure performing search and rescue and ventilating the house when they became caught and trapped. After "mayday" calls were made, the two firefighters were recovered within a matter of minutes by the fire department's rapid intervention team and CPR was administered at the scene. Both firefighters died from injuries sustained in the incident. Lieutenant Velasquez was pronounced dead at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Firefighter Baik was pronounced dead at Bridgeport Hospital.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office. Officials suspect the fire broke out in a second floor apartment. Three other firefighters were taken to the hospital. One had a broken ankle and the other two were treated for heat exhaustion.

Funeral Arrangements:
Pending

Memorial Fund Contact and Address:
Pending

Tribute is being paid to Lieutenant Steven Velasquez and Firefighter Michel Baik at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 46 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2010; 44 from incidents that occurred in 2010 and 2 from previous year incidents. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats....

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