Pittsburgh battalion chief suffers fatal medical emergency while commanding fireground

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

Structure Fire

N.Y. fire chief, firefighters in critical condition after church explosion

Four firefighters and the Abundant Life Fellowship Church pastor are in critical condition after an explosion inside a Boonville-area church

February 17, 2026 01:36 PM

Fire Chief

Colo. residents rally behind Chief Sendelbach with petition, fundraiser

A petition calling for the Loveland chief’s reinstatement and a “no confidence” vote in the board gained hundreds of signatures, while a GoFundMe for his legal fees drew quick support

February 18, 2026 07:41 AM

Firefighter Memorials

N.Y. FD honors fallen firefighter with vigil, park renaming on anniversary of LODD

The Binghamton Fire Department marked the first anniversary of John “JR” Gaudet’s line-of-duty death as city leaders renamed West End Park in his memory

February 17, 2026 08:56 AM

 · 

Bill Carey

Fire Chief

Colo. fire board moves forward with intent to terminate fire chief

The Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Board unanimously approved sending Chief Tim Sendelbach a letter of intent to terminate

February 17, 2026 07:17 AM