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James Lee Heater

Firefighter

While on duty, Firefighter James Heater contracted COVID-19 from responding to numerous emergency medical calls. He passed away from the virus on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021.

photo of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
James Lee Heater was included in the USFA’s annual report Firefighter Fatalities in the United States.

Department information

Orange County Emergency Services District #1
2351 Highway 12
Vidor, Texas 77662

Chief: Robert Smith

Age: 32
Rank: Firefighter
Classification: Volunteer
Incident date: August 22, 2021
Date of death: September 3, 2021
Cause of fatal injury: Exposure
Nature of fatal injury: Covid-19
Activity type: EMS/Patient Care
Emergency duty: Yes
Duty type: On-Scene Non-Fire
Fixed property use: Residential

Last updated: July 07, 2022