The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: VA

It is in great sadness that we as a Brotherhood post the 42nd Line Of Duty Death in 2012 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Firefighter & Lieutenant John Echternach Jr. has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and members of the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department.

John L. Echternach, Jr.

Rank: Lieutenant/EMT
Age: 54
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 19
Date of Incident: 06/29/2012
Time of Incident: Pending
Date of Death: 06/29/2012

Fire Department: Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department
Address: 25355 Virgil H Goode HWY, Boones Mill, VA 24065
Fire Department Chief: Division Chief Billy Ferguson

Incident Description: Lieutenant Echternach was en route to the fire station in response to an outbreak of severe weather in the area when he stopped to help another driver whose car, according to media reports, was hit by a tree. While assisting, Echternach was struck by another tree and severely injured. Firefighter Echternach succumbed to his injuries several days later while being treated in the hospital.

Incident Location: Vicinity of Boones Mill, VA, along U.S. 220.

Funeral Arrangements: A memorial service will begin at 1000hrs Saturday, July 7, 2012 in the Franklin Heights Baptist Church Sanctuary, 110 Hilltop Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.

Tribute is being paid to Lieutenant/EMT John L. Echternach, Jr. at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 42 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online @ http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats...