Source: city of cincinnati / Cincinnati..gov
Mayor John Cranley released this statement about Fire Apparatus Operator, Daryl Gordon, who was killed this morning battling a blaze in Madisonville:
This morning, the Cincinnati Fire Department responded to a four-alarm fire in a multi-level apartment building at 6020 Dahlgren St. in Madisonville.
Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO) Daryl Gordon sustained fatal injuries while responding with Heavy Rescue 14. FAO Gordon was extricated from the building, but was later pronounced dead at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of one of our city’s protectors,” said Mayor John Cranley. “Daryl Gordon passed away this morning after being injured in the line of duty. The term ‘hero’ is often over-used in today’s society, but Daryl truly meets the definition. He valiantly put himself in harm’s way to help residents in the building. It takes a special breed of person to rush into a fire when the natural instinct is to flee. As General Norman Schwarzkopf once said, ‘True courage is being afraid, and going ahead and doing your job anyhow. That’s what courage is.’ Daryl Gordon epitomized this philosophy.”
Mayor Cranley added, “Today, our Cincinnati firefighters did their jobs – they ran into a burning building and saved lives. Women and children were carried out to safety. When that was over, God delivered all of the civilians but kept one of our firefighters back.”
The Cincinnati Fire Department also remembered its fallen colleague.
“We lost a hero today, and we are all mourning,” said Fire Chief Richard Braun. “Daryl lost his life in the line of duty to save others.”
FAO Gordon, age 54, joined the Cincinnati Fire Department on June 30, 1985. He leaves behind his wife, Angela, and two daughters, Angelique and Chelsea.
“I am deeply saddened to learn that FAO Gordon paid the ultimate price while in the line of duty,” said City Manager Harry Black. “We can never take for granted the work that the brave men and woman of the fire department do on a daily bases to protect and keep us safe. On behalf of our entire City workforce, our deepest condolences go out to Daryl’s family and friends. We stand ready to assist in any way during the difficult times ahead.”
Daryl also was a 10-year employee of UC Health Air Care and Mobil Care unit.
“Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Daryl Gordon, the Cincinnati Fire Department and the community he served,” UC Health said. “Daryl was always upbeat and came to work with an amazing attitude. He was positive and dedicated not only to the hospital but to the community. He was well loved by all and he will be greatly missed.”
