Toledo Firefighters Stephen Machcinski & James Dickman killed at apartment fire
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Two firefighters killed in a blaze today were identified as Stephen A. Machcinski, 42, and James Dickman, 31.
The North Toledo residential apartment fire killed Mr. Machcinski, who was appointed in 1998 and assigned to Engine No. 3, and Mr. Dickman, recently appointed Sept. 3, 2013.
The firefighters’ names were released at a press conference. Fire Chief Luis Santiago promised an investigation of the incident.
The victims were taken from a residential building at Huron and Magnolia streets that includes a first-floor market about 3:30 p.m. today.
Dan Desmond, Toledo Firefighters Local 92 vice president, said he personally knew the two fallen firefighters but couldn’t talk about them.
“Everyone is just numb right now,” said Mr. Desmond, a longtime firefighter.
Mr. Machinski has been with the Department since 1998.
Mr. Dickman was appointed to the department in September 2013.
They join other Toledo firefighters who died on duty, including 4 firefighters who died in 1961 when a gasoline tank truck exploded at City Park Avenue and The Anthony Wayne Trail.
Sunday’s fire broke out at a 6 unit apartment building in the 500 block of Magnolia St. near the Huron Market around 3:30pm.
No one else was injured in the fire.
The two firefighters were taken to Mercy St. Vincents Medical Center around 3:30 p.m. after battling a blaze at an apartment complex at 528 Magnolia Street, near the Huron Market. They were pulled from the burning building by their fellow firefighters.
Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins was at the hospital Sunday with members of the fire department, many of whom were still in their full gear.
Toledo Fire Chief Luis Santiago said that fellow firefighters made “valiant efforts” to save the men during the fire and began lifesaving measures after they were taken from the building.
No tenants of the apartment complex were injured in the blaze.
“It was in the course of these efforts that they suffered fatal injuries after what could be described as valiant efforts,” Santiago said. “They removed them from the structure to begin life-saving measures. They were transferred to St. Vincent’s Medical Center.”
The chief says a formal and detailed investigation will take place involving multiple agencies.
Toledo Mayor Michael Collins paid tribute to the fallen firefighters Sunday night, calling it “a tragic night.”
“They run into harm’s way instead of running away from harm’s way,” he said.
The mayor has asked the community to lower flags Monday at 8:00am to half staff and asked for prayers from community members.“Please keep those families, the firefighters and police officers, and the leadership in your prayers,” he said. “We’re going to be very challenged, and, without your prayers, it would compound our struggles.”
