Texas Firefighter Charged In Connection With Death of Colleague

A Texas firefighter has been charged with murder following the death of another member of his department at a campground in Pueblo County, Colorado.

Evan Gaw, a firefighter/EMT with Odessa Fire Rescue, has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting death of Odessa firefighter/EMT Michael Mack Wednesday evening. The incident occurred at the KOA Campground.

A statement issued by the City of Odessa stated:

  • On Thursday, November 12, 2020, Odessa Fire Rescue was made aware of an incident in Pueblo County, Colorado, which involved two employees. This incident resulted in the death of Michael Mack, a firefighter/EMT with OFR, and the arrest of Evan Gaw, also a firefighter/EMT with OFR. Odessa Fire Rescue, along with the City of Odessa, would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Mack family. Michael Mack was an outstanding employee and individual, who will be greatly missed.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
x

Check Also

KCMO Challenges Arbitration Award in Triple Fatal Crash

The City of Kansas City is appealing an arbitration decision that reduced the disciplinary penalty for the firefighter responsible for the 2021 triple-fatal apparatus crash to a three-day suspension without pay. Dominic Biscari was driving Kansas City’s Pumper 19, when it ran a red light, collided with an SUV, struck several parked cars, came to rest in a building, and in the process killed three people.

Kentucky Court Concludes Board Member Testifying and Voting Violates Due Process

A Kentucky court has concluded that a fire district board member who served as an adverse witness against an accused firefighter in a disciplinary proceeding, violated the firefighter’s due process by participating in deliberations and the adjudication decision.