USFA On-Duty Death: New York

United States Fire Administration
25 August 2026

EMMITSBURG, Md. — The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has announced the on-duty death of Chief Steve Woehrle, 65, of the Piseco Volunteer Fire Department on 20 July 2026.

Chief Steve Woehrle suffered a cardiovascular event while responding to an accident involving jet skis. Chief Woehrle was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Age: 65
Rank: Chief
Classification: Volunteer
Incident date: July 20, 2026
Date of death: July 20, 2026
Cause of fatal injury: Stress/Overexertion
Nature of fatal injury: Cardiovascular Event/Heart Attack
Activity type: Driving/Riding Personal Vehicle
Emergency duty: Yes
Duty type: Responding
Fixed property use: Outdoor Property

The number of on-duty deaths for 2026 is currently 56.

Go here to read the number of interior line of duty deaths for 2026.

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.”

Photo courtesy of Northville, Gloversville Funeral Service, Inc.

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