US Fire Administration

The US Fire Administration has announced the official line of duty death of Firefighter Ryan Neil Seitz, 26, of the McArthur Fire Department on September 24, 2010.

While working with other firefighters to bring an outdoor fire under control, Firefighter Seitz was struck and killed by a part of a pressurized water tank that exploded. Although the investigation continues, initial reports from local authorities indicate that a pressure valve or pressure plate on the water tank had malfunctioned. The explosion injured a second McArthur firefighter who was treated at a hospital and released.

Funeral Arrangements:
Funeral services will be held 10 A.M., Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church, 63849 US Highway 50, McArthur, with Rev. Gary Sollars and Rev. Donald Shoemaker officiating. Interment will be in Elk Cemetery, McArthur. Friends may call at the Calvary Assembly of God Church on Tuesday, from 2-8 P.M. with a Memorial Service for the Fallen Firefighter being held at 7 P.M. Arrangements are by Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur.

Memorial Fund Contact and Address:
The family suggests contributions be made in memory of Ryan Neil Seitz to the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library, 120 N. Market St., McArthur, Ohio 45651 or the McArthur Fire Department, 303 W. High St., McArthur, Ohio, 45651.

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Ryan Neil Seitz at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 61 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2010; 59 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....