U.S. Fire Administration

The U.S. Fire Administration has announced the official line of duty death of Fire Chief Chet Bauermeister, 47, of the Franklin County Fire District No.4 on June 23, 2010.

Fire Chief Bauermeister passed away from injuries sustained at a mutual aid wildland fire call in neighboring Adams County when the Firecat (Snowcat conversion) fire apparatus he was operating in steep terrain flipped over backwards. Another firefighter on board the apparatus with Chief Bauermeister at the time, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Othello Community Hospital where he was treated and released.

Funeral Arrangements:
Pending

Memorial Fund Contact and Address:
Chet Bauermeister Memorial Fund, Bank of Whitman, PO Box 2776, Pasco, WA 99302-2776

Tribute is being paid to Fire Chief Chet Bauermeister at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 36 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2010; 34 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....