Trending Topics

Pittsburgh battalion chief suffers fatal medical emergency while commanding fireground

Battalion Chief John Walsh died at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital after being stricken while working as the incident commander during a house fire

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Battalion Chief John Walsh died following a medical emergency while working as the incident commander during a house fire in the city’s East Hills neighborhood.

The Pittsburgh Firefighters Union announced that Walsh, 60, who was working as Battalion Chief 3 based in Station 8, died after being transported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital on Nov. 20, CBS Pittsburgh reported.

“His unwavering passion for the job, his courageous service, and his remarkable leadership over 37 dedicated years will never be forgotten,” the union wrote in a social media post. “Chief Walsh embodied the very best of what it means to serve and protect.”

A procession led Walsh’s body from the hospital to the medical examiner’s office. He had been a member for 37 years.

Trending
A state fire feasibility study recommended eventually phasing out Black Diamond Hose Co. 2 and East Side Hose Co. 4, but Archbald officials say no decision has been made
Rapid growth on the Wrights Spring Fire cut off Jason Ensign’s escape route as he supported firefighting operations near the Yahwee Plateau
The FJH Initiative, inspired by Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, will combine mentorship, outdoor recreation and mental health care
A new system will give fire trucks priority at intersections, but EMS officials argue the same technology should be used to speed critical patient responses and reduce crash risk