Forest Bend Fire Department Chief John Norris dies
Forest Bend fire chief dies in line of duty
A community of firefighters in the Houston area lost their beloved fire chief. Forest Bend Fire Chief John Norris died shortly after fighting a fire in Friendswood early Saturday morning. The husband and father had nearly 40 years of service. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle visited the station to learn more about the chief's life.
The Forest Bend Fire Department is mourning the death of their chief on Saturday morning.
Officials say Chief John Norris suffered an apparent heart attack shortly after getting home from battling a fire.
Chief John Norris (Photo: Forest Bend Volunteer Fire Department)
"With profound sorrow, the Forest Bend Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to announce the passing of our cherished Chief, John Norris. Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader whose impact on our department will forever be remembered and honored," The Forest Bend Fire Department wrote on Facebook.
The Forest Bend Fire Department assisted the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department in battling a fire at an abandoned house in the 1300 block of Woodvine Street early Saturday morning around 1:11 a.m.
Friendswood Fire Marshal's Office says the fire was extinguished around 2:32 a.m.
According to Friendswood Fire Chief Stan Koslowski, Chief Norris had just gotten home from the fire when he suffered the apparent heart attack. He was transported to the hospital, where he died.
Due to Chief Norris' death occurring shortly after his fire department duties, the Fire Marshal's Office says the death is considered as happening in the line of duty.
Firefighters and EMS from Forest Bend, Friendswood, League City, Webster and Pearland formed a wall of honor behind HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake Hospital as Chief Norris’ body was transported to the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Chief Norris was promoted to the position in September after spending 18 years with the fire department and serving as assistant chief for six years.
Norris also worked with the Houston Fire Department for 32 years and was a captain. He retired from the department in 2022.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.