Four LODDs---June 11-14

 
By PIO Rick Schartel
June 15, 2026
 

It's been a rougher than usual four-day stretch for the US Fire Service as four separate Line of Duty Deaths were recorded from June 11 thru 14. This continues to illustrate just how dangerous it is to do what we do on a routine basis, and in so many different ways and scenarios.

TSFRS would like to express our sincerest condolences to the families, friends and fire service communities in mourning as a result of these tragic losses.

Firefighter Ryan Zwick of the Cincinnati OH FD passed away from service-related occupational cancer on June 11.

Then on June 12, Firefighter Juan Antonio Smith of the Rockdale County FD in Georgia was killed in an accident when his ladder truck rolled over during a response to a reported structure fire.

Asst. Chief Wayne Woodbury of the Searsmont VFD in Maine died on June 14 as a result of an explosion during a lumber yard fire on May 15. This fire and explosion also claimed another firefighter's life that day. AC Woodbury had been hospitalized since the event. Other members continue to be hospitalized.

Also on June 14, Lt. Isia Huerta of the Odessa TX FD was killed when interior fire conditions deteriorated rapidly as personnel were fighting a trailer fire. Several other members were injured during the incident.

RIP brothers.