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Investigation continues as firefighting community mourns

Tana Weingartner
/
WVXU
A plastic casing protects a teddy bear honoring FAO Daryl Gordon.

Updated 12:00

A total of 12 civilians were rescued from the Kings Tower apartments fire, and four, including a three-month old child, were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Chief Richard Braun says three other firefighters were also injured, two with second degree burns, and one for smoke inhalation.  All three were treated and released.

Braun says there are three investigations into the fire that led to the death of Fire Apparatus Operator Daryl Gordon.  One will look at what caused the fire.  Braun expects that report to be issued soon.

The National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health and city departments will conduct simultaneous, but separate, investigations.  Braun says those reports will not likely come out for months.

Braun says there has been an outpouring of support from fire departments around the area, and from around the country.  He says Toledo’s fire chief was among the first to offer condolences.  Toledo lost 2 firefighters in January of 2014.

Local 48 president Matt Alter says funeral arrangements are still being planned, but the funeral will likely happen in the middle of next week.  

Original story:

The flag at Cincinnati's Firefighter memorial remains at half staff Friday morning, marking the death Thursday morning of fire apparatus operator Daryl Gordon.

Flowers, balloons, a wreath and a teddy bear are laid at the base of the memorial.

Gordon was battling a four alarm blaze at Kings Tower Apartments in Madisonville when officials say he fell down an elevator shaft.

The investigation into what caused the fire and Gordon's death continues.

The 30-year Cincinnati Fire Department veteran is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Credit Tana Weingartner / WVXU
/
WVXU
Flowers and balloons remembering the life of FAO Daryl Gordon at Cincinnati's Firefighter memorial.

WVXU reported Thursday:

“We lost a hero today, and we are all mourning,” said Fire Chief Richard Braun. “Daryl lost his life in the line of duty to save others.”

Chief Braun said Gordon was searching for fire victims when he came upon an open door, which turned out to be an elevator shaft, but no elevator was present.

Gordon was also a 10-year employee of UC Health Air Care and Mobile Care unit. A colleague there described Gordon as "always upbeat and came to work with an amazing attitude. He was positive and dedicated not only to the hospital but to the community. He was well loved by all and he will be greatly missed.”

Credit Tana Weingartner / WVXU
/
WVXU
Flowers and a wreath from other members of the firefighting community dot the base of the memorial.

Community Builders, which operates the apartment complex, said in a statement:

"Kings Tower is home to approximately 68 families and has no known safety citations on record in the past year. The Community Builders, together with our management agent Wallick-Hendy, is working with the Red Cross and Salvation Army to arrange emergency housing and supplies for building residents.  We are cooperating fully with investigators to help determine the cause of the fire."

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.
Bill Rinehart started his radio career as a disc jockey in 1990. In 1994, he made the jump into journalism and has been reporting and delivering news on the radio ever since.