Louisiana Firefighter Dies in the Line of Duty

Posted: Dec 3, 2011 7:34 PM by Press Release

Walker, LA- State Fire Marshal H. Butch Browning released information in reference to the tragic death of a Livingston Parish Firefighter, result from fighting a residential fire this morning.

Fire Protection District # 4 Firefighter Scott Osenenko (DOB. 9-10-66) died in the line of duty immediately after searching for occupants of a burning mobile home and extinguishing the fire. Fire Protection District #4 of Livingston Parish was called to 9673 Florida Boulevard shortly after 4:00 am this morning to a report that a family was awaken to their home on fire. Firefighter Osenenko immediately responded from the fire station on the first arriving fire engine, he worked for nearly 20 minutes removing people from danger and suppressing the fire. Shortly after he exited the building he began experiencing cardiac distress, he was immediately treated and transported to Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge. At 11:15 am he was pronounced dead as the result of injuries he sustained and exposures at the fire scene. The cause of this fire in still under investigation, an electric space heater is currently be evaluated as a possible cause.

His death marks the fourth line of duty firefighter death this year in Louisiana. Firefighter Osenenko leaves behind two children. His mother and father describe him as, "a good kid who never had a bad word to say about anyone". He has served as a volunteer firefighter for the district for nearly a year.

Fire Chief James Wascom stated, "Scott was a model firefighter, he was always eager to learn and train. He was scheduled this morning to take his hazmat operations certification test. All he was trying to do was save lives and serve our community this morning, now he is gone".

"It is a sad day for the Louisiana fire service; we have lost one of our own", stated Fire Marshal Browning, "First responders place themselves in harm's way so that others may live. Scott gave his life without hesitation for his fellow man. We can never repay him however we will always remember and honor him".

Funeral arrangements are not finalized. A full fire department honors funeral service will be conducted.