April 19, 2024
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Sterling FD Lt. Garrett Ramos dies after floor collapse during rural Rock Falls house fire

By Troy E. Taylor
Garrett Ramos

Garrett Ramos, 38, a lieutenant with the Sterling Fire Department, died after the floor collapsed while fighting a fire in rural Rock Falls. (Submitted by City of Se)

STERLING — Garrett Ramos, 38, a lieutenant with the Sterling Fire Department died Saturday morning after the floor beneath him collapsed while fighting a fire that broke out Friday shortly before midnight in rural Rock Falls.

Ramos, the first Sterling firefighter killed in the line of duty, is survived by a wife and two children, according to a news release. He joined the department in October 2012, according to the release.

“He was an amazing individual of the highest caliber on and off duty,” Sterling City Manager Scott Shumard said in a news release. “It is a truly devastating loss to his family, the city family, especially his brothers in the fire service, and to the larger Sterling community.”

Garrett Ramos

Sterling Fire Department Lt. Garrett Ramos, 38, died Saturday morning in the aftermath of a floor collapse while fighting a house fire in rural Rock Falls. (Submitted by City of Sterling)

The fire at 10031 Ridge Road in rural Rock Falls was responded to by 13 departments and a CGH EMS support unit.

After the floor collapsed, firefighters engaged in a rescue of the firefighters. EMS crews attempted life saving techniques en route to CGH Medical Center where doctors continued life saving efforts to no avail, the release said.

The State Fire Marshal will be conducting a full investigation.

A fire that occurred at 10031 Ridge Road in rural Rock Falls was responded to by 13 departments and a CGH EMS support unit. The family in residence and their pets escaped safely; however, the fire led to the death of Sterling Fire Department Lt. Garrett Ramos.

A fire that occurred at 10031 Ridge Road in rural Rock Falls was responded to by 13 departments and a CGH EMS support unit. The family in residence and their pets escaped safely; however, the fire led to the death of Sterling Fire Department Lt. Garrett Ramos. (Katrina Milton)

SterlingRock FallsFire Department
Troy Taylor

Troy E. Taylor

Was named editor for Saukvalley.com and the Gazette and Telegraph in 2021. An Illinois native, he has been a reporter or editor in daily newspapers since 1989.