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 Rockdale County firefighter died after being ejected from a fire truck while responding to a call
Glens Falls Chief Craig Bascue is moving quickly to fill vacancies, while injuries and mental health challenges continue to strain the department.
Legislation would make Connecticut the first state to establish a comprehensive, prevention-focused cancer program for the fire service
“Jessica’s Law” is named after Jessica Ebbighausen, whose family was initially ineligible for survivor benefits because she was still in training when she was killed in an on-duty crash