LODD: FF Thomas Kuehl, 38, South Dakota

[Guest]

Kuehl, Thomas J. "Emmett" 

Age: 38

Cause of Death: Struck By 

Rank: Firefighter 

Nature of Death: Trauma 

Classification: Volunteer 

Emergency Duty: Yes   

Incident Date: 04/08/2006 

Duty Type: On-Scene Fire 

Incident Time: 16:30 

Activity Type: Driving/Operating Vehicle/Apparatus 

Death Date: 04/11/2006 

Fixed Prop. Use: Outdoor Property 

Fire Dept. Info:

Elkton Fire Department

PO Box 309

109 Elk Street

Elkton , South Dakota  57026

Chief: Ryan Bebensee

 

Initial Summary:   

On 04/08/06 at approximately 1600hrs, the Elkton Fire Department was summoned to a controlled burn that had escaped its boundaries and appeared to be threatening neighboring property.

During the firefighting activities, the truck Firefighter Kuehl was driving became stuck.

A tractor was obtained in an effort to assist in getting the truck unstuck.

A clevis attached to the tractor broke and the tow rope recoiled through the truck's windshield and struck Firefighter Kuehl's head.

Firefighter Kuehl was taken by ambulance to a Brookings, SD Hospital and then airlifted to Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Kuehl died of the injuries he received on 04/11/2006.

Funeral: 04/13/2006, 1330hrs (CDT) at the Elkton Public School, 508 Buffalo Street, Elkton, SD.   

USFA

[Guest KFD236]

My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends, family and his fire department.

[firecapt32 282]

we are in a dangerous business the list of firefighter deaths is growing steadly, as we mourn another loss the number is over 25. Lets do all we can to stop this. Be carefull out there. Wether your career/ or volunteer. The message should be the same be carefull whatch what you are doing. Train like your life depended on it--- it just might

[ex-commish 490]

we are in a dangerous business the list of firefighter deaths is growing steadly, as we  mourn another loss the number is over 25. Lets do all we can to stop this. Be carefull out there. Wether your career/ or volunteer.  The message should be the same be carefull whatch what you are doing. Train like your life depended on it--- it just might

←

I could not agree more with this. Another brave soul swelling heaven's ranks.

May he rest in peace.

Andy Mancusi

Chief

Hawthorne FD