USFA

The U.S. Fire Administration has announced the official line of duty death of Firefighter Gregory Mack Simmons, 50, of the Eastland Volunteer Fire Department on April 15, 2011.

While seeking safety from an area being overrun by flames during wildland firefighting operations, Firefighter Simmons passed away from blunt force trauma consistent with being struck by a vehicle.

Reports indicate that while he and other firefighters were trying to escape the fire, Simmons exited his apparatus and ran into or near a smoke obscured roadway and was struck by an unknown vehicle.

Investigation into the fatal incident continues by local and state authorities.

Funeral Arrangements:
April 20, 2011 at 1300hrs, Leon River Cowboy Church, 491 County Road 447, Eastland, TX.

Memorial Fund Contact and Address:
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Eastland ISD Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 31, Eastland, TX 76448; and/or the Eastland Volunteer Fire Department, 414 S. Seaman, Eastland, TX 76448.

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Gregory Mack Simmons at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 27 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2011; 24 from incidents that occurred in 2011 and three from previous years’ 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....