Four Houston Firefighters Killed in Hotel Blaze Identified
The May 31 fire was the deadliest single incident in the long history of the Houston Fire Department.
The Houston Fire Department posted a statement identifying the four firefighters who died while battling a major fire at a hotel located along the city's Southwest Freeway on May 31. Another firefighter was hospitalized and listed in critical condition The hotel's roof collapsed when the four were inside, according to the Houston Chronicle's report.
The department's statement identifies them as:
- Captain EMT Matthew Renaud, 35, of Station 51, who began his career with the department in October 2001.
- Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee, 41, of Station 51, who began his career with the department in August 2001.
- Firefighter EMT Robert Garner, 29, of Station 68, who began his career with the department in October 2010.
- Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan, 24, of Station 68, who graduated from Houston Fire Department Academy in April 2013 and was assigned to Fire Station 68.
"The Houston Fire Department has never seen four firefighters pass away from the same incident in the history of the department. In 1929, three firefighters passed away after their Engine was broadsided by a train," the statement says. "Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with not only those friends and family of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice today but also those who were injured and all members of our department."