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
Los Angeles County Fire Department’s team deployed with 71 members, six canine teams and 84,000 pounds of equipment to assist alongside Virginia Task Force 1
Charlotte firefighters have relocated from Station 26 while crews tackle an extensive mold problem
Four Grand Blanc Township firefighters had accused township officials of retaliating after they spoke out about staffing and Fire Chief Jamie Jent’s possible dismissal
A hacked Sacramento Fire Department X account briefly posted a false claim of a terror attack and MCI at Levi’s Stadium ahead of a FIFA World Cup match