By Rita Reith
The Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department (IFD) is deeply saddened to report the death of Recruit Firefighter David R. Short II, 26. Short was killed in a tragic vehicle accident shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19. The accident occurred near Indianapolis Regional Airport at the intersection of County Road 600 West (Mt. Comfort Rd) and Airport Boulevard. Buck Creek Township Fire Department Stations 471 and 472 responded. David was rushed to Methodist Hospital where he did not survive his injuries. David is survived by his parents, sister, brother and two half-siblings. He was a Scecina grad and had previously worked at Jockamo’s pizza before joining IFD Recruit Class 84.
The crash involved four vehicles. David and his girlfriend were travelling Northbound on Mt. Comfort Rd when a collision occurred ahead of them, forcing one of the trucks into David’s path. The truck and the car David was driving collided head on, sending both of the vehicles off the road and causing David’s car to roll over. Buck Creek extricated David from the car in about eight minutes. Although they did call for Lifeline, David’s condition was grave. Buck Creek did a load and go with Buck Creek Medic 471 transporting him. We are comforted knowing their efforts gave David the best chance at survival but it seems God had other plans.
Sugar Creek Township assisted with additional medical care for the other vehicles. With regard to what caused the initial collision between the two trucks, investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol to be a factor. By all preliminary accounts, this appears to be a horrible and tragic accident.
Chief Ernie Malone, Command Staff, Chief Dreiman and the Training Division Staff spent several hours at Methodist tonight with the family. The Peer Support team has been activated and will be meeting with the Recruit Class on Monday. Peer Support Resources continue to be available for members of the department as well.
More information about services will be available as we get it. Please keep David’s family, his girlfriend (who is in good condition with slight injuries), and the members of Recruit Class 84 in your prayers.
David left us too soon but he left having achieved the one milestone he wanted more than anything else in the world and that was to be an IFD Firefighter. He energy and smile will be missed.
RITA L. REITH is a battalion chief with the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) and serves as the agency’s public information officer.
