Explorer Ralph Russo, West Haven Fire Explorers

[fitzjr11 17]

The Secret List 5-8-08 / 0630 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com <http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/>

VIDEO LINKS TO THE ABOVE INCIDENT:

http://www.courant.com/news/custom/topnews...0,2429721.story

http://www.wtnh.com/global/video/flash/pop...mp;rnd=38605334

While naturally, no one can yet determine if it will be declared

federally as an official LODD, we have been advised that a Fire

Explorer in West Haven (CT) was killed after he was struck by an SUV,

as he was going to a car crash run on Monday. The Fire Explorer was 14

year old Ralph Russo of West Haven.

(See TV video links below)

Russo was riding his bike with a friend when they reportedly headed

to a dispatched car crash, when Russo was tragically struck by a

Jeep. Efforts to save his life were not successful and he died from

his injuries. Russo was a middle school student and a part of the

Fire Explorer program in West Haven. The SUV driver involved was

obeying all traffic laws and is not facing any charges.

This appears to be a very tragic accident involving a fine and

wonderful community minded teenager who loved many things-including

his role at the WHFD. And while the issue of LODD/non-LODD is an

emotional one, you will remember the case of Junior Firefighter Chris

Kangas from Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, who lost his life in what

appears to be a similar fashion, just a few years ago. That claim as

an LODD was denied by PSOB...but has been challenged and is now in

the hands of the Courts. Here are some details:

http://brookhavenfireco.com/custom.html?id=1143

The issue and definition of what an LODD is, and what it is not, is

dependent upon who you ask. At first glance it seems clear, but it

isn't. For example, the PSOB folks at DOJ, who are the bottom line as

far as benefits, have their definitions. Furthermore, the NFPA has

their definitions of an LODD, while the USFA and NFFF have theirs.

And at the local level, there are also diverse local definitions.

There are many "Junior" members who play an important role in

providing service much the same as there are many very "Senior"

members, who as active members of their FD, also play critical roles

locally....all whose services are very important. All good people

wanting to help.

Personally, we see a significant difference in various, yet all

tragic LODD's, as examples:

=a member losing their life while attempting the search or rescue of

trapped victims at a fire,

=a member being ejected because they chose to not wear their seat

belt,

=a member driving who blows a red traffic signal/stop sign,

=a member lost in an unoccupied structure that was a write off upon

their entry,

=a member working out and having a heart attack,

=a member lost during a fire training burn,

=a member struck while operating on a scene...as well as the many

other LODD's (which these all are) that fall on all ranges of the

wide scale of definition. Don't read into this-these are all horrible

losses of wonderful people who just wanted to help-and are all LODD's

as defined by most.

The one thing that is clear and well defined is that these are

terrible, local-duty related losses to those who knew/loved them

...and those who are left behind. The PSOB folks and the Courts will

figure out the rest. What we /can/ do-especially at the local level,

is to take the action at all rank levels (Chief to Probie) to PREVENT

the need for the LODD/Non-LODD debates...meaning to take local action

to eliminate the unnecessary LODD's.

We will never eliminate all LODD's because sometimes, as sad as it

sounds, Firefighters must, on rare occasion, lose their lives in

heroic manners. Sometimes we get killed in the Line of Duty where it

was NOT preventable and sometimes, we tragically die when doing the

job...Not Everyone Goes Home. But those numbers are the small

numbers...the clear minority. It's the numerous tragic, but sometimes

so obvious and unnecessary "that didn't have to happen" big number

LODD's that we are talking about. That's where it can be managed and

where change can happen. Giving credit to the late politician Tip

O'Neil, who stated that "All politics are local"..it also applies to

us, that "All LODD Prevention Is Local"...from the Chief to the

Probie.

Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to all affected,

but especially the family of WHFD Explorer Ralph Russo on the

horrible loss of a fine young man who just wanted to help.

Take Care-BE CAREFUL.

BillyG