Fire Chief is saddened to announce the unexpected death in May of contributing editor Chief Donald Loeb (Ret.), who wrote hundreds of articles for this magazine during the last 30 years.

“Chief Don Loeb was an integral part of Fire Chief magazine and a prolific writer,” said Janet Wilmoth, editorial director. “His articles were about basic, common-sense firefighting. Don's experience with live-fire incidents was unique, and his straightforward writing and photos made him a popular author. As contributing editor, Don Loeb had his own way of keeping…Fire Chief focused on the basics of firefighting.”

Loeb started his fire service career in 1945 while in the Navy in Guam. Upon his return, he became a volunteer firefighter in Dunkirk, N.Y., and was appointed second assistant chief in 1956, then first assistant chief and later fire chief, each for two-year terms.

Loeb later worked in an industrial fire brigade at Pratt Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, Conn., and then for the New York State Fire Insurance Rating Organization. He then returned to Dunkirk to serve as chief. It was during this period that Loeb began writing articles for Volunteer Firefighter, the predecessor of Fire Chief.

He was a state fire instructor for 14 years and taught at Jamestown Community College until retiring in 1999.

Loeb's articles will serve firefighters and his memory for many years to come. You can find them at www.firechief.com by using the pull-down menu for back issues or the search feature at the top right, keyword “Loeb.”