United States Fire Administration
29 November 2023
The United States Fire Administration has announced the death of Firefighter Matthew Dawson, 34, of Lubbock Fire Rescue on 26 November 2023.
On Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, Firefighter Matthew Dawson and the members of the Lubbock Fire Rescue were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle accident on an interstate highway. While they were on the scene of the crash in the northbound lanes, a southbound vehicle lost control, crossed the median, and struck Firefighter Dawson. He was immediately transported to the hospital where it was determined that he suffered a traumatic brain injury. After 3 years of long-term health challenges, he passed away on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Lieutenant David Eric Hill from Lubbock Fire Rescue and a police officer also passed away on Jan. 11, 2020, from injuries they sustained in the accident.
Age: 34
Rank: Firefighter
Classification: Career
Incident date: January 11, 2020 8:48 a.m.
Date of death: November 26, 2023
Cause of fatal injury: Struck By
Nature of fatal injury: Trauma
Activity type: EMS/Patient Care
Emergency duty: Yes
Duty type: On-Scene Non-Fire
Fixed property use: Street/Road
The number of on-duty deaths for 2023 currently is 77.
Go here to read the number of interior line of duty deaths for 2023.
Fatality status is provisional and may change as USFA contacts State Fire Marshals to verify fatality incident information.
For more information about on-duty deaths as recorded by the United States Fire Administration go to “Firefighter Fatalities in the United States.”
Data Not Drama 