LODD: Staff Sgt./FF Ray Rangel - Dyess AFB

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Rangel, Ray  

Age: 29  

Cause of Death:    

Rank: Staff Sergeant-Firefighter  

Nature of Death: Asphyxiation (includes drowning)  

Status: Career  

Emergency Duty: Yes  

Incident Date: 02/13/2005  

Duty Type: Non-Fire Emergencies  

Incident Time:    

Activity Type: Search and Rescue  

Death Date: 02/13/2005  

Fixed Prop. Use: Outdoor Property  

Fire Dept. Info: Dyess AFB, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron

626 Alert Ave.

Dyess AFB , Texas  79607

Chief: Floyd Jones

   

Initial Summary:    While on assignment in Iraq as a firefighter, Staff Sergeant Rangel drowned while attempting with another firefighter and a medic to save two soldiers trapped in a Humvee that had overturned in a canal.    

Memorial Fund Info: Bank of America (military accounts) in memory of Staff Sergeant Ray Rangel.  

Source: U.S.Fire Administration

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Final alarm sounds worldwide for fallen Air Force firefighter

2/22/2005 - SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) -- Air Force firefighters worldwide participated in a one-minute "final alarm" ceremony Feb. 16 honoring Staff Sgt. Ray Rangel who died while attempting to rescue two Soldiers after their Humvee overturned in a canal in Iraq.

Officials estimate that more than 3,900 active-duty firefighters, countless civilian firefighters and thousands of other servicemembers at Air Force installations around the world participated in the ceremony.

The fire department bell rings to signal the start of a shift, the call for assistance, the successful completion of a day and in this case, the passing of a hero.

The final alarm, also referred to as "signal 5-5-5," is a long-held tradition in America. It started when red fire alarm boxes were found on city streets throughout the country.

These made use of telegraph signals to call local dispatchers, who would in turn signal the appropriate fire station to respond to a fire. The alarm signified the return to quarters.

When a firefighter fell in the line of duty, the dispatcher would tap out the signal three times to notify all stations as a sign of honor and respect.

For those who are honored in this way, the signal represents the end of his or her duties, and for comrades, the sounding of the alarm signals the firefighter’s "coming home."