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Topeka Firefighter Killed in Apartment Fire

Posted: 8:54 AM Aug 14, 2007
Last Updated: 9:28 AM Aug 14, 2007
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: [email protected]


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Coverage from WIBW
 


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A 21-year veteran of the Topeka Fire department is dead after battling a blaze in the Villa West Apartment complex.

The firefighter killed is identified as 44-year-old Captain Tony Cox of Topeka.

The cause of Cox's death is unknown. The fire began shortly after 6:00 last night when firefighters got the call about smoke in the back of the structure.

Two residents who were trapped inside and had to be rescued.

Witnesses also reported seeing some residents jumping to their
safety. Fire department spokesman Greg Bailey said the cause of the fire is unknown, and that he doesn't know whether Cox's death was
related to the fire or heat exhaustion.

Shit.

While it sounds callous, I'd rather it be death from a heart atack than getting stuck in a fucking apartment.

RIP Brother.

Rest in Peace.

ETA From the firehouse.com article...

"They came out and started taking off their gear," Ebeling said about a group of firefighters who had been working to control the blaze. "Then one guy just hit the ground. They took of his fire pants and cut off his shirt. They gave him oxygen and put him in the ambulance."

Sounds like cardiac related.