Bradley “Brad” Charles Harper

Firefighter Harper’s ambulance was dispatched along with other fire department units to a report of a structure fire. When firefighters arrived on-scene, they discovered a fire in a large mulch pile. The fire presented difficulties with access and water supply.

An engine from the same station as Firefighter Harper was assigned to lay a supply line from a distant fire hydrant and a second engine was assigned to extend that supply line once the supply of hose on the initial engine had been depleted. In preparation to assist the hose laying process, Firefighter Harper parked his ambulance along the side of the road near where the first engine was likely to run out of hose.

The engine assigned to extend the supply line was backing into position to meet the first engine. A backer was not utilized. As Firefighter Harper donned his protective clothing from a compartment on the driver’s side of the ambulance, he was struck and trapped between his ambulance and the engine assigned to extend the supply line.

Firefighter Harper was extricated from his position between the two vehicles by firefighters using hydraulic extrication tools and airbags. He was transported to the hospital but did not recover from his injuries. He was pronounced dead in the early morning hours of May 19, 2013.