The Alexandria (VA) Fire Department (AFD) recently released its internal report on the line-of-duty death of Medic II Joshua Weissman, who died of injuries sustained in a fall from a bridge railing during a response in February 2012.
“As the AFD continues to heal from this tragedy, it is our hope that this report can help others understand what happened and allow us to move forward in our continuing tradition of excellent service to the community,” Alexandria Fire Chief Robert Dubé wrote in his introduction to the report.
While responding to a vehicle fire on an overpass of I-395, Weissman jumped a guardrail while attempting to cross the highway and fell into a creek below. Other firefighters rushed to his rescue, and he was transported in critical condition to an area medical facility, where he subsequently died.
“It is in this spirit of healing and teaching, which Josh demonstrated every day, that this report can best be used,” former Fire Chief Adam K. Thiel wrote. “For those who knew him, it is an opportunity to heal; for those who didn’t, it is an opportunity to learn.”
The full report can be downloaded as a PDF at http://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/fire/info/Weissman%20LODD%20Report%20Final%20of%20Final%2012.22.2014.pdf
