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Pa. firefighter dies responding to structure fire

The Big Elm Volunteer Fire Company firefighter suffered a medical emergency and was found by others at the fire station

DAGGETT, Pa. — The Big Elm Volunteer Fire Company is mourning the loss of Firefighter and Rescue Captain Roger Lathrop, who died in the line of duty on Jan. 23.

Lathrop died following a medical emergency while responding to a structure fire in Sullivan Township. According to Big Elm Fire Chief Byron Wright, the incident occurred as Lathrop was responding with the department’s tanker, WNEY reported. He was found by other responders at the station, Wright said.

Lathrop was a longstanding member of the Big Elm Volunteer Fire Company, which serves the townships of Jackson, Wells and Rutland, as well as the borough of Roseville in Tioga County.

The fire company has asked the community to keep Lathrop’s family and the department in their thoughts during this difficult time.

“Roger was a dedicated firefighter and leader who will be deeply missed,” the department shared in a statement posted on their Facebook page.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.