A firefighter with the Maplewood Fire Department was shot and killed this morning around 6:50 or so when his engine company (3114) was dispatched to a truck fire in front of a house. Upon arriving at the scene and preparing to extinguish the fire, Maplewood firefighters and police officers were shot at by a man with a high powered rifle. One firefighter was shot and killed and 2 Maplewood Police Officers were also shot but survived their injuries. One officer was shot in the badge and that saved his life!

My department was called upon to assist Maplewood this morning, as were several others, due to the fact that there was also a house on fire near the truck fire, which was some how connected to this shooting. It's been a real mess. As of this time the gunman has not been apprehended.

The firefighter was only 22 or 23 years old and has been on the job only since last Novemebr. The guy riding jump this morning on our pumper went through the Fire Academy with this firefighter who died this morning. Needless to say, we're all in shock around here. It drives home the point that nothing is "routine" anymore.

Mike this is a real sad report.

I just wish when these loonies decide to take themselves out, they could do it without going after others.

Thoughts and prayers are with his family and the department.

Jeff

Location: PA

The firefighter's name is Ryan Hummert. He was 22 years old and been on the job for 10 months, according to the Maplewood Fire Chief who just gave a news conference.

To seemore coverage of this story, you can hit some of the television news stations in the St. Louis area, such as KSDK, KMOV, or KTVI, as well as the Post-Dispatch.

Very sad day around here.