Respected Idustry Leader Dies

Otte was a member of the National Fire Protection Association committee on rescue tools.

May 5, 2006

Richard "Dick" Otte suffered a ruptured appendix while setting up a booth at the Fire Department Instructor's Conference in Indiannapolis April 26. That night he underwent emergency surgery. On Sunday afternoon he went into a seizure and then full arrest.

Otte was a member of the National Fire Protection Association committee on rescue tools and was considered by many to be a pioneer in rescue tools and motor sports safety.

He began working in sales for Hurst and went on to lead ResQTek and Curtiss-Wright PowerHawk sales teams. He was also a member of the NFPA 610 Race Track safety committee.

A memorial service will be held for Otte on Wednesday, May 17, at 6 p.m. at the Kennett Square Fire Department, 301 Dalmatian Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.