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

It is in great sadness that we as a Brotherhood post the 58th Line Of Duty Death in 2012 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Brother Firefighter & Captain Neal smith has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and members of the Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department.

Neal W. Smith



Rank: Captain
Age: 46
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 5
Date of Incident: 09/15/2012

Time of Incident: unknown
Date of Death: 09/17/2012

Fire Department: Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department
Address: 7642 Farmingham Road, Atascocita, TX 77346
Fire Department Chief: William Bivens

Incident Description: On Saturday, September 15, during a smoke diver class designed to train firefighters advanced survival skills in full gear, Captain Neal Smith passed out from a heat-related illness. He was transported to a hospital during which CPR was administered. Captain Smith remained in critical condition until Monday, September 17, when he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 6:30 p.m. Doctors reportedly determined that Captain Smith's body temperature was more than 106 degrees.

Incident Location: Beaumont Emergency Services Training Complex

Funeral Arrangements: Pending

Tribute is being paid to Captain Neal Smith at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 58 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...