Honoring

Firefighter Lee Kraus

St. Louis Fire Department, Missouri

EOW: July 1, 2025 | Age: None | Tour: 27 Years

St. Louis firefighters are mourning the loss of a veteran colleague. Firefighter Lee Kraus suffered a medical emergency while on duty on Sunday. Despite immediate care from colleagues and hospital medical staff, he died Tuesday, fox2now reported. Kraus, a second generation firefighter, served with the department for 27 years. “This is a heartbreaking loss for our department and our city. Firefighter Kraus was a committed public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Our thoughts are with his family, his brothers and sisters in the department, andnall who knew him," said Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson.

Honoring

Officer Miguel Cano

California Highway Patrol, California

EOW: July 2, 2025 | Age: 34 | Tour: 2 Years

Officer Miguel Cano was killed in a vehicle crash at Bristol Parkway north of Green Valley Circle in Culver City, California, at 12:30 a.m. Officer Cano and his partner had just arrested a subject for possession of drugs and an illegal weapon and were transporting him to be processed. While driving on Bristol Parkway, Officer Cano stated that he did not feel well. Shortly after that, he lost control of his patrol vehicle and crashed into a tree. Officer Cano was transported to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he passed away. His partner and the detainee suffered minor injuries. It is believed that Officer Cano suffered a medical emergency and lost consciousness before the crash. An investigation has been initiated. Officer Cano had served with the California Highway Patrol for two years. He is survived by his wife and parents.

Honoring

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason

Darlington County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina

EOW: July 1, 2025 | Age: 27 | Tour: 3 months

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason was shot and killed while responding to a call on Old Timers Court in Darlington County. At 1:30 a.m., Deputy Mason and another deputy arrived at the residence where a man had outstanding warrants. As soon as the deputies entered the house, the subject opened fire on both deputies. Deputy Mason was mortally wounded, and the other deputy was transported to the hospital in stable condition. The suspect was shot and killed by responding deputies. Another subject was apprehended. Deputy Mason had served with the Darlington County Sheriff's Office for over three months. He had completed his field training a week earlier. He is survived by his son, mother, stepfather, and fiancée.

Honoring

Chief James “Jim” Sitek

West Colesville Fire Station, New York

EOW: July 4, 2025 | Age: None | Tour: 35 Years

Conklin, NY — The fire chief of the West Colesville Fire Company in Broome County died in the line of duty on the Fourth of July while battling a house fire. Around 2:53 a.m. Friday, a call came in reporting a possible house fire at 21 JR Blvd. in the town of Conklin, according to the Broome County Office of Emergency Services. Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames, but all residents had made it out safely. One person suffered minor burns to their legs, officials said. Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about an hour. While fighting the fire, West Colesville Fire Chief James Sitek suffered an apparent medical emergency, officials said. Emergency personnel immediately provided care at the scene. Sitek was taken to Wilson Hospital by Broome Ambulance, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Sitek was a 35-year volunteer with the West Colesville Fire Company. He served in many roles over the years and had been fire chief for the past three years, officials said. Broome County District Attorney F. Paul Battisti described Sitek as a leader, mentor, protector and beloved neighbor whose dedication to public safety never wavered. “Chief James Sitek embodied the very best of Broome County,” Battisti said. “His sacrifice is a sobering reminder of the risks our first responders face every single day.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation.