Was recognized at Indiana Fallen Firefighters Remembrance Ceremony
(INDIANAPOLIS) – A Batesville firefighter who died in the line-of-duty was recognized statewide on Thursday.
Chief Clarence Roell responded to an EMS emergency on November 11, 1960.
After returning to the fire station, he began experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. He passed away a few hours later from a cardiac event.
Roell’s passing had went unrecognized as a line-of-duty death as records weren’t kept until 1981.
That recently changed when the department provided information to the State of Indiana and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
“As a result, Chief Roell’s death has been rightfully recognized as a line-of-duty death, honoring his ultimate sacrifice to protect and serve the citizens of Batesville,” the fire department said.
Roell was one of 12 firefighters honored at the Indiana Fallen Firefighters Remembrance Ceremony in Indianapolis on Thursday.
Roell’s grandson, Stephen Macke, who spent years on the department was also able to attend the ceremony.
The department has a memorial plaque honoring Chief Roell at the firehouse.
“This is the first line-of-duty death in Batesville Fire Department history. We will forever remember Chief Roell’s service and sacrifice,” the department added.
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