04/20/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18LkG1kKLT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
April 20, 2000 - LODD
Firefighter Rickey Levi Davis, 33
Center Point Fire Rescue, Alabama
Firefighter/Paramedic Davis and members of his department were dispatched to a report of a fire in a single-family residential structure that included a full basement. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke showing from the structure and found that the fire was in the basement. Firefighters attempted to reach the fire through the garage door (which opened into the basement) but were unsuccessful in locating the seat of the fire. A positive-pressure fan was placed at the garage door. Another team of three firefighters, including Firefighter/Paramedic Davis, advanced an attack line through the front door of the residence. On their initial entry into the residence, they were unable to locate any fire. The crew withdrew, found that a positive-pressure fan had been placed at the front door, and returned to explore another area of the house. Firefighter/Paramedic Davis was at the nozzle as the hoseline was advanced into the second entry on the main floor of the residence. As the line was advanced, Firefighter/Paramedic Davis fell through the floor into the area of the basement that was involved in fire. Other firefighters helped Firefighter/Paramedic Davis as he attempted to jump back to the first floor from the basement but his efforts were unsuccessful. Firefighters attempted to lower a scuttle hole ladder into the hole but the location of the hole and the sagging of the first floor into the basement prevented its use. Firefighters instructed Firefighter/Paramedic Davis to use the hoseline to protect himself as they attempted to rescue him through the basement. An attack team entered the basement and fought their way to the room that contained Firefighter/Paramedic Davis. He was removed from the basement and received ALS medical treatment immediately. He was transported by ground and air ambulances to a hospital in nearby Birmingham. He was treated in the emergency room but was pronounced dead. The cause of death was listed as hyperthermia (thermal injuries). The carboxyhemoglobin level that was found in Firefighter/Paramedic Davis’ blood was less than 5 percent. He was burned over roughly one-third of his body. It is estimated that 12 to 15 minutes passed from the time Firefighter/Paramedic Davis fell into the basement until he was located and removed from the structure. Firefighter/Paramedic Davis was the first firefighter fatality for Center Point Fire/Rescue. Davis, a five-year career firefighter with Center Point Fire/Rescue, also worked as a firefighter/paramedic with the Homewood Fire Department. He had served in the U.S. Navy.