New Holland police Chief Burnell Imhoff was just 39 years old when he died in the line of duty in 1939. Imhoff was New Holland’s third police chief and served three and a half years, from December 1935 until his death on June 7, 1939.
The accident that ultimately claimed her father’s life took place 72 years ago, on June 5, 1939. Imhoff was on his motorcycle in pursuit of a motorist who had committed a traffic violation when another vehicle ran a stop sign at an intersection. Trying to avoid a collision, the chief swerved. His cycle hit a curb and threw him into a building.
A doctor arrived at the scene and instructed that the chief be taken home to rest. Later that night, however, Imhoff’s condition worsened. He was rushed to the former St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster, where he died from internal bleeding on June 7.
Firefighter Dennis Hackman was killed in the line of duty while affecting a swift water rescue during Hurricane Agnes in 1972.
Corporal Paul Almer and Trooper Wayne Bilheimer were killed in a helicopter crash while searching for a body in the Susquehanna River in southern York County, Pennsylvania.
Corporal Almer was piloting the aircraft when it struck high-voltage power lines at an altitude of approximately 90 feet. The helicopter crashed into approximately ten feet of water, with both officers trapped inside. Trooper Bilheimer succumbed to multiple trauma injuries and Corporal Almer drowned. Both officers were found still strapped into their harnesses.
Corporal Almer had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 14 years. He had previously served as a combat helicopter pilot with the United States Army during Vietnam War for 18 months. He was survived by his mother and fiancee.
Trooper Wayne Bilheimer and Corporal Paul Almer were killed in a helicopter crash at approximately 0730 hours while searching for a body in the Susquehanna River in southern York County, Pennsylvania.
Corporal Almer was piloting the aircraft when it struck high-voltage power lines at an altitude of approximately 90 feet. The helicopter crashed into approximately ten feet of water, with both officers trapped inside. Trooper Bilheimer succumbed to multiple trauma injuries and Corporal Almer drowned. Both officers were found still strapped into their harnesses.
Trooper Bilheimer had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 21 years. He was survived by his wife of 24 years.
Firefighter Garber was killed responding to a call when his pickup truck was hit head-on by New Danville’s Engine 2, a fire engine from his own company. It is believed that the Engine hydroplaned due to bad weather conditions. Garber was heading towards the fire house to drive Engine 1 to a house fire.
EMT Ethel Speros who was killed in the line of duty when a wall collapsed on her while she tried to give aid to a victim of car accident in 1989.
Thomas J. Horvath died after responding to a fire on Euclid Avenue. The 46-year-old, who had been a city firefighter for 23 years, collapsed on the scene after suffering a heart attack. His fellow firefighters tried to resuscitate him, but to no avail.
Chief Shertzer was killed in a motorcycle accident while on duty. He was driving the department’s motorcycle through East Hempfield Township when an oncoming car made a left turn in front of him, causing a collision. He was transported to Lancaster General Hospital where he died a short time later while undergoing surgery.
He had completed a police motorcycle training course earlier in the month, and was driving the department’s new motorcycle.
Chief Shertzer had served as chief of the 14-person Lititz Borough Police Department for 10 years, and had served with the agency for a total of 23 years. He is survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.
David Sauder, EMT, was responding to a Class 1 call when the vehicle he was riding in went out of control on ice covered roads. David sustained injuries that were non recoverable. He died as dedicated personnel and friends worked feverishly to save his life.
Volunteer EMT Sauder, was responding with another medic when their vehicle slid off the road hitting a snow bank and tree. Sauder, a Passenger, was ejected from the vehicle and died.
Fire policeman and special division member John G, Lawrence passed away directing traffic at Bart Township Fire Company annual mud sale on March 7, 2009.
Firefighter Lieutenant Keith G. Rankin, an experienced volunteer firefighter in Lancaster Township, collapsed and during a live burn training at LCFA Fire school in West Lampeter Twp. CPR was initiated by firefighters and an AED was applied. CPR was continued in the ambulance while en-route to the hospital. Lieutenant Rankin was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Keith Rankin was 38 years old and had served his community for 23 years with Lancaster Township Fire Department. Keith had been an assistant chief in the past and had again achieved the rank of lieutenant. Keith also was named Firefighter of the Year after rescuing a woman from a fire. Keith loved to teach other firefighters how to be better firemen. He also worked as a Pennsylvania State Constable.
Fire Police Officer Steffy and the members of his fire department responded to a vehicle crash in their community. As firefighters completed their work at the scene, they received word that a Fire Police Officer had become ill at his traffic control position. Firefighters responded to the traffic control position and found Fire Police Officer Steffy slumped over on the seat of his car. CPR was initiated by firefighters and bystanders. An ambulance arrived and an AED was applied. CPR was continued in the ambulance while en-route to the hospital. Fire Police Officer Steffy was pronounced dead at the hospital due to a heart attack.
Capt. Steven Henry Sr., of the Columbia Borough Special Fire Police, answered his final alarm on Sept. 5. He felt ill while on a call with the Columbia Consolidated Fire Dept. He went to his primary care physician. The following day, he suffered cardiac arrest. Henry was 52.
Henry started out his volunteer career with the Maytown – East Donegal Township Fire Department in 1978 and later joining the Shawnee Fire Company. During his tenure, he served in the capacity of Chief Engineer, Captain, 2nd and 1st Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Chief and finally President.
After serving as a firefighter for more than twenty-five years, he became very active with the Columbia Borough Special Fire Police and has served as the captain.
A pager woke up Christi Rodgers early Friday so she could go out and do what she has done for 10 years — help others as a volunteer firefighter. She had difficulty breathing when she was awakened by an alert to respond to a house fire. Rodgers then went into cardiac arrest and was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.