A Texas firefighter died in the line of duty March 30th after completing an overtime shift and suffering a dissecting aortic aneurysm.
Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon Scott Phillips, 26, had served the Keller Fire Department for three years.
He responded to multiple calls during an overtime shift on March 29th, reported the U.S. Fire Administration. Two hours after completing the overtime shift, he suffered a dissecting aortic aneurysm, a split in the inner lining of the aorta.
Phillips was transported to the local hospital where the aneurysm was diagnosed, and then airlifted to a Dallas hospital where he died during emergency surgery to repair the aneurysm.
He leaves behind his wife Denise and three children, ages 4, 2 and seven months.
"He was just a young, bright individual," said Lt. Jackie McCaig. "He was very dedicated to the fire service and the citizens he was protecting, and was a dedicated father."
McCaig said Phillips was also an avid bike rider and outdoorsman.
"He was one of those guys who always had a smile on his face and was a pleasure to be around," he said.
This is the department's first line of duty death. McCaig said the tragedy has illustrated that the fire department truly is a family.
"When something like this happens, you see that actually is the case," he said. He said the department has also received an overwhelming amount of support from other agencies and people in the community.
The department has 36 line personnel and a total of 42 employees working out of two fire stations, to serve a population of 33,000 over 18 square miles.
Family visitation will take place Saturday, April 2, 2005 from 4-6 p.m. at the Lucas Funeral Home, 137 Hill Street, Keller, Texas.
A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, April 3, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the Northwood Church, 1870 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller, Texas. The Graveside Service will follow at Bourland Cemetery, 901 Bourland Road.
Agencies wishing to participate in the funeral procession please contact Jim McDonald, Procession Officer, no later than Noon Sunday, April 3, 2005 for staging instructions at 817.743.4499.
Contributions may be made to the Brandon Phillips Memorial Fund, C/o Wells Fargo Bank, 1000 Keller Parkway, Keller, Texas.
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