When you are made aware of a Line of Duty Death, there are many steps you must immediately take. You must make sure that the proper notifications have been made. Notify your County Emergency Management Agency (911 Center) and have them notify the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s EOC. This will automatically notify the State Fire Commissioner and staff. Also, notify your County Coroner of the LODD and that the LODD autopsy protocol must be followed.

Basic steps to take before the arrival of a staff member from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner:

1. Make notification to County EMA (911 Center)

2. Advise Coroner of LODD

3. Contact local CISM team

4. Support deceased family with any immediate needs

5. Make sure of your fire fighters well being

6. Lower flags to half-staff

7. Secure training records of deceased

8. Notify Municipality of death

9. Notify insurance carriers

10. Have the Officers on the call make a written statement as to what happened (only facts)

Chaplains Manual Fire Department Funerals

How to Help the Family…At the Hospital or the Morgue

A Resource Guide for handling Firefighter Line of Duty Deaths