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Gary DeCook

Captain

On Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, Captain Gary DeCook was performing maintenance at the fire station, including fire apparatus and equipment work. After he was finished, he went home and less than 5 minutes after arriving, collapsed in his driveway. His fellow emergency responders arrived at the scene and immediately performed CPR but were unsuccessful. He passed away from an apparent heart attack.

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

Department information

Barnes City Fire Department
505 Broadway ST
Barnes City, Iowa 50027

Chief: Briar Awtry

Age: 66
Rank: Captain
Classification: Volunteer
Incident date: August 27, 2022 3:41 p.m.
Date of death: August 27, 2022
Cause of fatal injury: Stress/Overexertion
Nature of fatal injury: Heart Attack
Activity type: In-Station Duties
Emergency duty: No
Duty type: Other On-Duty
Fixed property use: Store/Office

Last updated: August 14, 2023