Updated: EMT loses life in fire rescue
An emergency medical technician with South Shore Ambulance died while attempting to rescue his mother from a fire at their home, according to Bayfield County Emergency Management.
Dennis Swenson, a volunteer EMT, was awakened by his pager concerning a fire at his home in Cornucopia just after 4 a.m. May 1. A neighbor reported the blaze and called 911 before driving to the Swenson home.
Swenson was out on the front porch. The neighbor told Swenson that she had called 911. He replied that he had heard the page, grabbed a fire extinguisher, and stated he was going back in for his mother. Swenson, his mother and the family dog were all found dead after the fire was extinguished.
“This is an incredible loss for our community,” stated Patti Stemwedel, director of South Shore Emergency Medical Services. “Dennis had been an active EMT since 1998 — that’s 27 years as a volunteer EMT. He carried his pager wherever he went always ready to help another in need. To say he will be missed is most certainly an understatement.”
Swenson’s death is being considered a line of duty death.
A memorial service for both Dennis and his mother, Dorothy, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Herbster Community Center, 86870 Lenawee Road, Herbster.
Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard and Ambulance, fire and law enforcement agencies from throughout the area will be present.
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