The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: NY

It is in great sadness and with heavy hearts, that we as a Brotherhood post the 79th Line Of Duty Death in 2011 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Brother Firefighter Kevin Townes has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to our brothers family and the members of the Mount Vernon Fire Department.

 Kevin E. Townes

Rank: Firefighter

Age: 54

Gender: Male

Status: Career

Years of Service: 25

Date of Incident: 12/08/2011

Time of Incident: 0243hrs

Date of Death: 12/08/2011

Fire Department: Mount Vernon Fire Department

Address: 470 East Lincoln AVE, Mount Vernon, NY 10552

Fire Department Chief: Fire Commissioner Noah Lighty

Incident Description: Firefighter Townes collapsed while operating at the scene of a basement fire in a single family residence. Townes had just donned his protective equipment and was preparing to enter the structure when the medical emergency occurred. Fellow firefighter-paramedics treated Townes at the scene and he was subsequently transported to the Mount Vernon Hospital, where he passed away. The cause of death has yet to be determined.

 Incident Location: 124 Lorraine Ave 

Funeral Arrangements: Pending

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Kevin E. Townes at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 84 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2011; 78 from incidents that occurred in 2011 and six from previous years’ incidents. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online @ http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm

in 2011 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Brother Joey King has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to our brothers family and the members of the Davis Creek-Ruthdale Volunteer Fire Department.