Reported by: Lance Barry, Becky FreemalWeb produced by: Mark Sickmiller, Laura Hornsby and Ian PreuthClick here to send in your condolences to the two firefighters who lost their lives. We will post your thoughts in our special section.
The Colerain Township Fire Department is mourning the loss of two of their own Friday.
Captain Robin Broxterman, 37, and Brian Schira, 29, were killed while battling a fire on Squirrelsnest Lane Friday morning.
The fire department said the call came in just after 6:00 a.m.
Crews from Colerain Township arrived at the home and immediately went in to rescue anyone who they believed may be inside.
The two people inside the home were able to make it out safely.
However, a "mayday operation" was called after crews were having trouble making contact with other firefighters in the structure. An unmanned hose was found on the first floor of the home, as was a hole in the floor leading to the basement, where the two firefighters' bodies were later located.
An official with the Colerain Township Fire Department is calling the fire a "catastrophic event."
Broxterman was the first female Captain in Colerain Township Fire history. She was a 17 year member of the fire department. She leaves behind two children and a fiance who is also a firefighter.
Schira joined the Colerain Fire Department last year and had also worked with the Delhi Fire Department.
The last time Colerain Township Fire mourned a loss of one of their own was back in 1977.
The fire remains under investigation.
Statement from the Schira family:
Brian Schira, son, brother, uncle and friend to many. His passing has left a gaping hole in the fabric of his families, both personal and professional. Brian is the middle son of Peter and Elizabeth Schira of Cheviot. He is survived by his brothers, Eric and Daniel Schira, his niece Courtney Schira, paternal grandparents, Peter and Ruth Schira, Sr.; maternal grandparent, Rose Marie Brummer and numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Brian graduated from LaSalle High School in 1997 and continued his education at the University of Cincinnati earning a degree in Criminal Justice. Brian always believed that his future would be in public service. He thought seriously about becoming a police officer, however, thinking of his family and more particularly his Mother’s concerns, he decided to pursue a career in fire fighting. Brian knew the dangers but believed that the good he could do outweighed this factor. Unfortunately, today the odds changed and not in Brian’s favor. We have lost a beloved son. Brian, aka Chico, will be deeply missed by all the people whose lives he has touched. He was a great fireman but most importantly a great family member and friend. God bless you Brian, job well done!
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. It really means a lot to us.
Sincerely,
The Schira Family
The Schira family would like to offer its prayers and deepest condolences to the Broxterman Family.
