FF Donald E. Klotz Jr. devoted more than three decades of his life to serving others. Beginning in 1995, he volunteered as a firefighter with the Waterloo, Concord, and Jackson Township departments in Auburn, Indiana. In addition to his fire service, he also assisted the DeKalb County Coroner’s Office with transport duties, continuing his commitment to helping his community in every way he could. On March 12, Don suffered a stroke and underwent emergency surgery to place a drain in his brain to relieve bleeding. He was placed on a ventilator and feeding tube, and although he initially showed signs of improvement, complications followed.

Illinois FF Jeffrey Braun is the kind of person who shows up for others without hesitation- steady, dependable, and always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh when it’s needed most. Unfortunately, FF Braun was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma; undoubtedly news that weighs heavy on the hearts of all who know him.

South Carolina Fire Engineer Timothy Potter’s circumstances have worsened significantly in recent months. In November, he was removed from light duty and placed on unpaid leave after being denied FMLA. During an ongoing workers’ compensation dispute, he was diagnosed with asthma, which has been deemed disqualifying under NFPA 1582, preventing his return as a fire engineer. He has not received a paycheck since December and has been unable to secure other work in fire investigation or inspection.

Pierce Michael Campbell passed away unexpectedly on March 24, 2026, just weeks after celebrating his 10th birthday. In October 2018, at only two years old, Pierce was involved in a devastating car accident that left him with a severe traumatic brain injury. His family was told he would likely remain in a vegetative state and dependent on a ventilator for life- but Pierce defied every expectation.

South Carolina’s Lt. Taylor Graham dedicated more than 30 years of his life to serving others through his work in the fire service, always putting his community before himself. In 2023, he was diagnosed with cancer, and faced a long and difficult battle. On March 12, 2026, Taylor passed away, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others in their time of need.

Virginia’s Lieutenant and Fire Marshal Justin Laidler with Frederick County Fire and Rescue is a dedicated husband and father who has recently been diagnosed with ALS.

FF Mike Altman of the Chicago Fire Department, assigned to Truck 47, was critically injured March 16th while doing what he always did- putting others first. After some time in Cook County Hospital’s burn unit, he has tragically has passed away from his injuries.

Montana’s Mike McDaniel, a Captain with the Helena Fire Department (L448) for the past 20 years, lost his home in a devastating fire on March 12, 2026. Over the past year, Mike and his family have already faced significant challenges. He recently underwent a kidney transplant and is still recovering from serious injuries sustained in an on-duty explosion on November 7, 2024.

North Kansas City FD FF Benoit Coussement, badge number 226, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, March 10, 2026. FF Coussement will be remembered for his commitment to the fire service and the positive impact he had on those around him. He is survived by his wife and stepdaughter, whom he loved dearly.

FF Bryan Coppola of Louisiana’s St. George FD was recently diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. This diagnosis comes at an especially difficult time- less than a year after marrying the love of his life, Brianna, and less than three years after he proudly dedicated himself to a career in the fire service.

On Tuesday, March 12, 2026, West Virginia FF Hunter Slack and his family experienced a devastating total-loss structure fire at their home. While the family is incredibly grateful that everyone was able to make it out safely, the fire ultimately destroyed the house and everything inside it.

CFD’s Israel Martinez Sr. has served the people of Chicago as a firefighter and EMT for more than twenty years. Recently, he completed his final round of radiation and chemotherapy. While this marks an important milestone, the road ahead remains long as he begins a grueling recovery process.

Recently, engineer Thomas O’Quinn, a dedicated member of Indiana’s Ashley-Hudson Volunteer Fire Department, tragically lost his life in a tow truck accident while on-duty. Let’s relieve the O’Quinn family and offer them a bit of peace during this trying time.

Columbia FD’s Christopher Johnson showed up for his community with unwavering courage, compassion, and commitment. Tragically, on Sunday, March 1st, he passed away after struggling with mental illness.

Brian Dixon has faithfully served the city of Casper, Wyoming for the past 23 years, dedicating his career to protecting and supporting his community. Recently, he was diagnosed with stage three mantle cell lymphoma; possibly stage four, pending bone marrow biopsy results.

Lt. Mike Curtin of the Chicago Fire Department has served his city for over 29 years, and has been with his wife Lisa for over 28. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and staying strong in his fight.

Ohio’s firefighter/paramedic Darrell Rose both served his community of Bainbridge Township and was a loyal member of Bainbridge Professional Firefighters Local 5390 for over 20 years. A beacon of kindness, Darrell earned the respect and love of many as a family man and public servant.

Alabama’s Jason Mahaffey served his community at Birmingham FD for over 18 years before being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease due to work-related exposure. Per his diagnosis, Jason was forced to retire two years early, cutting his pension in half.

IAFF member and Marine Corps veteran Bobby Lewullis is a fireman with Wilson Borough FD in Easton, Pennsylvania. He suffered intense injuries in the line of duty and needs our help.