STORM2K

My heart is VERY heavy as I post this, the Pinetop FD lost a GREAT firefighter, a GREAT woman, a GREAT mother...........

I worked numerous scenes with Valeree, accident scenes etc and I'm just beyond shock, EVERYONE is......


http://www.wmicentral.com

Pinetop firefighter Valeree Claude dies suddenly





By: Jo Baeza, The Independent 06/28/2005





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Valeree Claude
PINETOP-LAKESIDE - An experienced firefighter, apparently in top physical condition, died suddenly June 24, sending shock waves throughout the firefighting community.
Valeree Claude, 33, died in her sleep at approximately 2:15 a.m. June 24 at Pinetop Fire Station No. 2. She was on duty the night of June 23, sleeping in one of the single rooms on the second floor of the new fire station in Pinetop Country Club.

According to Public Information Officer Stuart Bishop, the fire department received a call at 2 a.m. He said, "When she didn't come down, one of the firefighters went to see what was wrong. She was unresponsive."
The cause of death is unknown. Because she died in the line of duty, state law requires an autopsy. Her body was taken to Tucson Saturday morning so an autopsy could be performed.
Bishop said, "Valeree was one of our physical fitness instructors. She was probably the one who was in the best shape of anybody."
Claude began her career as a reserve firefighter with the Pinetop Fire Department March 7, 2003. She was hired as a full time firefighter July 1, 2003. Bishop said, "Valeree was well liked and respected as one of the department's fitness instructors and a member of the department's Wellness Committee."
Ironically, fire departments across the nation had a "stand down" for three days last week to emphasize safety, as so many firefighters have died this past year. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 107 firefighters died in the line of duty in 2004.
Because of the "stand down," the firefighters had not been doing any strenuous training. Bishop said Claude had gone out on a couple of calls and spent the rest of the time in safety training.
Claude is survived by her husband, Travis, and two children, Chance and Chandler, as well as her immediate family. Funeral arrangements are scheduled for 10 a.m. June 29 at the Show Low LDS Stake Center. The viewing is scheduled for Tuesday night. A full firefighter ceremony is planned. Firefighters from all over the state are expected.
Owens Mortuary is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Always the good ones.

WOW... That's horrible.

I hate to say it, but any evidence of foul play???

So sorry to hear of the loss of a heroic firefighter, loving wife, mother, daughter, dear friend and outstanding citizen. My thoughts are with you azsnowman as you remember the life of your friend and celebrate her accomplishments. It is such a tragedy that she had to leave her loved ones too soon.

Sad to lose someone so young. Sad to lose your mom. Sad to lose your friend.

...and especially sad to lose someone so dedicated to public service.

Death puts such a dramatic perspective on life. You'll never look at the sunrise quite the same anymore Dennis.

And while that's a good thing...it, at least for now, doesn't take away the profound sadness.

The Kabbalah says, "Any time someone dies, a Universe dies with them"...that goes double for the "Thin Blue Line", in whatever capacity of service.

Were I able, I'd don my old "blues" and stand with my brothers and sisters in honor and remembrance of a true hero, friend and sister-in-arms. I don't have to have known her personally to say that, Dennis.

You and Michelle understand.

streetsoldier wrote:The Kabbalah says, "Any time someone dies, a Universe dies with them"...that goes double for the "Thin Blue Line", in whatever capacity of service.

Were I able, I'd don my old "blues" and stand with my brothers and sisters in honor and remembrance of a true hero, friend and sister-in-arms. I don't have to have known her personally to say that, Dennis.

You and Michelle understand.

Yes indeed Sir, we do understand. Getting ready to don my Dress Blues, Smokey hat and prepare for a hard day......an estimated 100 additional Brothers and Sisters from across the state are expected in the procession this morning at 0800.

Steve, as always, thanks for the kind words!

Dennis

Bowing my head in prayer for everyone touched by this profound tragedy. Special prayers going out for you and Michelle Bro.

I'm so sorry Dennis! She was so young and had alot to offer!

My condolences to you, Dennis and all who cared about her. Some things just don't make sense.

My heart and prayers go out to the firefighter community in PineTop, Brother! I know what you all are going through after losing my best friend who was also a firefighter and died in the line of duty a few years ago. I still miss her ALOT! Lots of hugs coming your way!

My heart and prayers go out to you and her family! It is always a loss to us when a young one dies so unexpectedly.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Needless to say, it was a very emotional day, very draining. It was a very fitting funeral, I fought hard to keep back the tears working traffic as the hundreds of firefighters from around the state attended the procession......and when the "Last Dispatch" was done, let's just say, there wasn't a dry eye anywhere, there's nothing like hearing her call sign called for the last time................with no response.

Dennis

Thinking of all of you up there today.

I think that the last dispatch is such a wonderful way to honor a fallen comrade. One of the saddest, but most fitting, ways to pay tribute.

BTW....it's not been released to press yet however, the cause of Valeree's early passing........she had a seizure in her sleep, vomited and asperated.

Dennis

That's a horrible way to die Sorry for your loss Dennis.. Hope and Prayers being sent to you and the other fire fighters..?

Just out of curiosity.. what exactly is the "last dispatch?"

Last dispatch is where the dispatcher calls you on the radio and in the case of a lost officer/firefighter......it's very moving. For instance, let's say something happened to me, my call sign is Lincoln 525 (L525) for line officer, dispatch would say, "375....L525, 375.......L525, 375........L525, negative contact, rest in peace Sir" then deadly silence. Each dispatch console in the US is assigned a call sign, ours is 375.

Dennis

azsnowman wrote:Last dispatch is where the dispatcher calls you on the radio and in the case of a lost officer/firefighter......it's very moving. For instance, let's say something happened to me, my call sign is Lincoln 525 (L525) for line officer, dispatch would say, "375....L525, 375.......L525, 375........L525, negative contact, rest in peace Sir" then deadly silence. Each dispatch console in the US is assigned a call sign, ours is 375.

Dennis

...and mine was 3441.