IN Firefighter Struck and Killed by Train While Responding to Call

A 55-year-old McCordsville firefighter was struck and killed by a train after his vehicle got stuck on a railroad crossing responding to a call.

According to WTHR TV13, Richard Rehm was headed to an alarm activation at about 1 a.m. Christmas Eve morning. Minutes later, Rehm called dispatch by cell phone to report his vehicle was stuck on the tracks. A short while later, dispatch got a call that a vehicle had been struck.

Rehm was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been a firefighter with the McCordsville Volunteer Fire Department since June 2000 and is survived by four adult children, a brother and his mother, according to the television report.

On the McCordsville department’s Facebook page, a post reads as followed: “Today we honor and mourn the loss of a fellow firefighter. Firefighter Richard Rehm took his last call at 1:26 this morning. Rich lost his life serving the community and is honored as a true hero. God bless you Rich and the service and the sacrifice that you have made. We will always remember you as a friend, a fireman, and a truly great person. I know i speak on behalf of everyone that has the honor of working with you in the fire service when i say you were a great man. Willing to give the shirt off your back to anyone in need, always there ready for the call. You will be in our prayers and our thoughts and you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace brother. Firefighter Richard Rehm LODD Last Call 12/24/2016 0126HRS”