Detroit firefighter died while on duty; cause of death under investigation

A Detroit firefighter was found dead at his firehouse early this morning.

Sgt. Vince Smith, a 23-year veteran of the department, was found dead in his sleep by firefighters shortly before 7:30 a.m. at Engine 48’s firehouse in southwest Detroit where he was on duty.

Mayor Mike Duggan’s office said the death appeared to be from natural causes.

Engine 48 didn’t respond to any fires overnight.

At 8:26 a.m., a dispatcher delivered the sad news to firefighters.

“The central office regrets to inform you of the untimely death of Sgt. Vincent Smith,” the dispatcher said over the radio.

We are awaiting more news from the Fire Department.

  Death, detroit is burning, engine 48, Fatality, Fire department, Firefighters, vince smith

Steve Neavling

Steve Neavling lives and works in Detroit as an investigative journalist. His stories have uncovered corruption, led to arrests and reforms and prompted FBI investigations.

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