On April 30, 1979, a tragic accident in London, Ontario, claimed the life of firefighter Richard “Rick” Roman. Responding to an emergency call around 3:24 a.m., the fire truck he was aboard collided with an ambulance at an intersection. Both vehicles were reportedly not using their sirens at the time, which may have contributed to the collision.
The impact resulted in fatal injuries to Roman, who was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The accident deeply affected the local community and the firefighting fraternity. Approximately 600 mourners, including about 200 London firefighters and 150 from other departments across Ontario and Quebec, attended his funeral to pay their respects.
In the years following the tragedy, the London Fire Department and the community have taken steps to honor Rick Roman’s memory. Memorials have been established, including a tribute at Station No. 4, serving as a reminder of his dedication and the risks firefighters face in the line of duty.
The accident also prompted discussions about emergency response protocols, particularly the use of sirens during emergency runs, to prevent such tragedies in the future. The loss of Rick Roman remains a poignant chapter in London’s history, underscoring the inherent dangers of firefighting and the importance of safety measures.
