Photo by Eddie Lehan Firefighter Robinson is pictured here in front of Engine 2 at the scene of a two-alarm fire in early June. The photo was taken on the same day that one of two D.C. firefighters killed battling a townhouse fire was laid to rest.

Firefighter Costello N. "Colonel" Robinson died of a massive heart attack at the Washington Hospital Center. Robinson was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday after being attacked by the dog while on a fire call at 50 Temple Street in Northwest Washington.

The death was the third in the line of duty for the District's bravest in just over a month.

At 12:41 p.m. on July 7, Engine Company 2 responded to a call to investigate smoke in the outside area. While doing the initial assessment, Firefighter Robinson searched the alley and was attacked by the Pit Bull. There was no smoke or fire found, fire officials said.

While warding off the dog, Robinson tore a ligament in his right leg. He did not sustain any dog bites. Robinson was scheduled for knee surgery to repair the torn ligament on Friday.

Robinson, who joined the D.C. Fire/EMS Department on February 3, 1963, was believed to be the oldest active firefighter in the city. He was assigned to Engine Company 2 as a technician. He was responsible for driving the fire apparatus and for conduction preliminary assessments of the fire scene. Local firefighters said they believed Robinson had been assigned to Engine 2 for all or most of his impressive career.

"In this capacity, Robinson was often among the first emergency personnel on the scene ... such was the case on July 7," spokesman Battalion Chief Stephen Reid said in a prepared statement.

The dog's owner was issued a citation at the time of the incident. It was unknown Friday if additional charges could or would be added.

On May 30, four firefighters were seriously burned while battling a townhouse fire in the city's Northeast section. Firefighter Anthony Phillips died shortly after the blaze, and Firefighter Louis Matthews passed away the following day.

Firefighter Joseph Morgan, Jr. remains hospitalized in serious condition but is "improving day by day," an official said today. The fourth firefighter, Lt. Charles Redding, suffered facial burns and is expected to return to duty within a few months.

In October of 1997, Sgt. John Carter was killed while battling a four-alarm grocery store fire. Prior to his death, a District firefighter had not been killed in the line of duty in some 13 years.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, officials said. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Shirley, four children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

For more information on attending services, please contact the D.C. Fire/EMS Department public information office at (202) 673-3331

Robinson is the second "eldest" firefighter of a major U.S. city to die in the line of duty this year. In January, Firefighter Joseph R. "Dick" Murphy, also 64, suffered a fatal heart attack while operating as a battalion chief's aide.

ALSO SEE:

• Wash Post: Veteran Firefighter Dies After Fending Off Pit Bull
  
• Two District Firefighters Killed in Townhouse Fire
  Includes images, RealAudio links
  
• Wash. Post Editorial by DC Fire Chief Edwards
  
• DCFD Unofficial Web Site
  
• 1999 Line of Duty Death Listings
  
• Firehouse.Com LODD Forum