N.H. Firefighter Dies after Overtime Shift

By Bill Carey
17 December 2023

RYE, N.H. – Rye Fire & Rescue has announced the death of one of its firefighters after work.

Lieutenant Charles Gallant died at home on 15 December after working an overtime shift, the department stated in a Facebook post. The post did not state the cause of death.

Gallant was a veteran firefighter and well-known for his service to the community. He had also been president of the Professional Firefighters of Rye Local 4411.

He was a recipient of the Paul W. Sypek Medal of Valor for heroism while fighting a fire onboard the submarine USS Miami at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in May 2012. Gallant’s crew experienced a flashover causing Rye Firefighter Mike Hirtle to collapse. Gallant refused to leave him behind and help get him up a ladder to safety, the Seacoast Current reported.

Photograph courtesy of Rye Fire & Rescue/Facebook.

Published by Data Not Drama

Data Not Drama is writings that provide a point of critical thought about firefighter fatality data and education, line of duty deaths, and risk. The main focus is to encourage less risk aversion and better knowledge on the subject of firefighter fatalities in firefighters, fire departments, and fire service organizations. View more posts