Keeping Alive the Memory of Five Courageous Plymouth Firemen

Plymouth Fireman’s Memorial Scholarship Fund

On July 31, 1982, six firemen responded to an alarm of a house fire west of Plymouth which resulted in a tragic accident that will never be forgotten.

Just after noon, the fire truck carrying volunteers from the Plymouth Fire Department veered off Highway 17 near West School. The accident took the lives of five firefighters. Randy Hansen, Dane Hoffhein, Alphonse Kriscunas, Brian Samuels and Gary VanVactor were all killed that Saturday afternoon. A sixth firefighter, Shawn O’Keefe, was the sole survivor.

The community was in a state of shock. On August 4, families, friends, citizens and firefighters from all over the country filled the Plymouth High School gymnasium to mourn these men who lost their lives in the line of duty. Ed Simcox, Indiana Secretary of State said, “The tragic death of these five public servants has stunned the city of Plymouth and the State of Indiana. Their sense of duty, which ultimately cost them their lives, is an example of courage to us all.” State Fire Marshal William Goodwin added, “A volunteer fire department is a close-knit unit of people. This feels like the loss of a brother or sister.”

The Plymouth Fire Department worked hard to ensure the memories of the firemen were kept alive through special tributes and creation of the Plymouth Fireman’s Memorial Scholarship Fund. A non-profit organization was formed to administer the program and a golf tournament was organized.

In 1996 the Plymouth Fireman’s Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at MCCF. Community support for this special fund continues through private donations as well as the annual golf outing that takes place the first Wednesday of June. Since 1983, seventy one scholarships totaling $50,000 have been awarded to Plymouth High School seniors.

Photo: For his Eagle Scout Project, Lloyd Fisher, at age 17, dedicated a plaque to the firefighters in 1987 to encourage volunteerism and community service awareness.