Death of SA firefighter galvanizing department

San Antonio's fire chief is playing the role of both boss and councilor as the department comes to grips with the death of Scott Deem, who died last week while battling a blaze that erupted inside a northwest side strip mall.

"Everybody realizes how dangerous this job is. It's something we have always known but it's in 3D right now. It's very vivid," he tells 1200 WOAI news.

In the days following last Thursday's fatal fire, Chief Hood has been meeting with now only Deem's coworkers, but also members from all over the department.  It's therapeutic for them, and for him. As the man in charge, he seems to struggle with Deem's death as much as anyone.  Calls from departments around the world have come for support.  He's met with Deem's family daily.

"They're strong. They loved Scott, and Scott was an amazing man.  They're hurt, but they're strong," he explains.

Hood spent today meeting one-on-one with media from San Antonio, explaining how the rank-and-file are recovering. He says the death has galvanized the department, showing the men and women who ride on the fire trucks how dangerous the job can be.

"This job is real every single day.  You get up and you leave the house and go to work, you never know what's going to happen.  The reality is, sometimes people don’t come home."

The investigation is still ongoing. The building needed to be stabilized as crews look for clues. 

Friday's funeral plans will be released by the department on Wednesday.


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