Hey,

We take time to remember-and learn about the Pennsylvania fire instructor who was conducting live fire training (October 23, 2005) and was

very critically burned

(and died in the Line of Duty, two days later) in that fire training building at the State Fire Academy. 

 

Altoona Fire Captain/State Instructor Bob Gallardy, 47, was working at the State Fire Academy in Lewistown that weekend as an Instructor for the Suppression Instructor Development Class. They were starting the last fire of the day (after several days of training) wherein the Instructor candidates would be evaluated in a variety of positions. Captain Gallardy was found by the candidates in the corner of the burn room as they entered. The candidates quickly extinguished the fire and removed the victim from the room, a Mayday was immediately called by another Instructor in the basement and the RIT team was sent to the basement to assist with removal. 

 

It has been noted in the report (below) that Captain Gallardy's face piece had a heat damaged lens from previous burns. Two others found at the training academy also had similar flaws.

The investigators also noted that another instructor was concerned when Gallardy emerged from the basement after setting the fire, and encouraged him to get out and take a break. After remarking about how hot the fire was, Gallardy went back into the basement to add pallets to the fire and await the students for the final scenario of the day. The three firefighters said they called a Mayday after hearing someone moan.

They also wondered if it was part of the grand finale scenario. But, they suddenly realized it wasn't.


Captain Gallardy was removed, treated and then flown to the Lehigh Valley Burn Unit with very serious 2nd and 3rd degree burns over a large portion of his body including respiratory and facial. He was listed in critical condition and succumbed two days later. He was wearing an SCBA with a damaged face piece-from previous training burns-when he entered the operating area. 

 

Gallardy was career Fire Captain in the Altoona City FD and had been in the volunteer and career fire service for nearly 30 years. He was an Adjunct Instructor and Local Level Instructor for OSFC/State Fire Academy.

 

TAKE TIME to read this report and to then learn and honor the life of Captain Gallardy.

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200531.html 

 

RELATED: 

On July 30, 2002, a Florida Fire Lieutenant and a Firefighter died while participating in a live-fire training evolution. A flashover occurred several minutes after the fire had been lit in the acquired vacant structure while both of the victims were performing a simulated search and rescue. The Lieutenant and the Firefighter were both transported to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead. 

READ:

 

Learning from those who have lost their lives is the best way to honor the fallen---both PA and Florida have made very significant, recognized and noted changes since these losses. RIP.

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.

BillyG

The Secret List 10/24/2014-1410 Hours