(Washington, DC) The DC Fire and EMS Department announces the Line of Duty Death (LODD) of 34-year old firefighter technician James J. McRae III of Truck Company 12, Platoon No. 3, on Saturday, July 7. Chief Dennis L. Rubin said, “I am deeply saddened by the untimely death of Firefighter McRae. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and I, along with several members of the command staff have visited with McRae’s family several times, and this City and this Department stand ready to meet their every need.” A preliminary investigation revealed that McRae experienced an undetermined medical emergency while on duty.  He was immediately assessed and treated by the firefighter paramedic assigned to Engine Company 20. He was transported from the fire station to the hospital, where he later passed away. An exact cause of death has not been determined. James J. McRae III is the 99th DC Fire and EMS Department firefighter to die in the line of duty.

Information about a financial trust and funeral arrangements will be released as soon as possible. Any Fire and EMS personnel who would like to attend or volunteer their services and or apparatus for the funeral is asked to email the Department at mcraefuneral@dc.gov.