AR Chief Found Unresponsive at Fire Dies at Hospital

Feb. 14, 2021
Little Rock Battalion Chief Edward Karriem was found unresponsive in his command car after crews contained a house fire Saturday.

A Little Rock battalion chief died after commanding a house fire Saturday.

Firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on Stardust Trail at 10:52 a.m. and found smoke from the one-story residence. 

Battalion Chief Edward Karriem took command as about 20 firefighters worked the scene and the fire was brought under control at 11:22.

While firefighters were conducting overhaul, they noticed Karriem was unresponsive in his command vehicle.

Crews began CPR efforts on Karriem and he was transported to  Baptist Hospital by Metro EMS.

Karriem, 41, was  later pronounced deceased and the cause of death is pending the medical examiner’s report.

Chief Karriem faithfully served this city and the Division of Fire Services for seventeen years," the fire department posted on Facebook. "Our sincere prayers are extended to the family, loved ones and friends."

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