DC Fire Chief Keith Long Dies Suddenly On Duty

On a somber Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C., the city’s fire and emergency services community was shaken by the sudden loss of Battalion Fire Chief Keith T. Long, who passed away in the line of duty on February 4, 2026. The news, confirmed by DC Fire and EMS officials, sent ripples of grief through not only the department but also the broader network of first responders and city leaders who had come to know Chief Long over his nearly four-decade career.

Chief Long, who was serving as a Safety Battalion Chief at the time of his death, had dedicated 38 years of his life to protecting the residents and visitors of the nation’s capital. According to DC Fire and EMS, he was first appointed to the department on December 19, 1988. However, some reports, including a statement cited by 7News, list his appointment as December 19, 1998—though all sources agree on his remarkable tenure and unwavering commitment to public safety.

The circumstances surrounding Chief Long’s passing remain unclear. As of Wednesday evening, DC Fire and EMS had not released additional details regarding the cause of death, and funeral arrangements were yet to be announced. The department’s official statement was brief but heartfelt: “The Department regrets to announce the line-of-duty death of Battalion Fire Chief Keith T. Long, who passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.”

Tributes poured in swiftly from across the city. The Metropolitan Police Department, in a public message, extended its sympathy and solidarity: “MPD sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Battalion Fire Chief Keith Long, who passed away this morning in the line of duty. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners at DC Fire and EMS during this difficult time.” The message reflected a sense of unity among the city’s emergency responders, who often face danger together and rely on each other in moments of crisis.

The DC Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 36, also paid homage to Chief Long, highlighting his journey from union member to leader. “We are saddened to announce the LODD of Battalion Fire Chief Keith T. Long. He dedicated 38 years to serving the District, a Local 36 member before promoting to Chief. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who served alongside him. Rest easy, Chief,” the union said in a statement. The outpouring of support reflected not just respect for Chief Long’s professional accomplishments, but also the deep bonds formed within the fire service community.

DC City Administrator Kevin Donahue echoed these sentiments, stating, “Our condolences and prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Battalion Chief Keith Long.” The sense of loss was palpable across city agencies, with many recalling Chief Long’s dedication, leadership, and the steady presence he provided over the years.

Chief Long’s passing comes at a time when the sacrifices of firefighters and first responders are being recognized and honored in communities across the country. In Syracuse, New York, on the very same day, dozens of firefighters gathered at Firefighter Memorial Park to mark the 87th anniversary of the Collins Block Fire—a tragedy that claimed the lives of nine Syracuse firefighters in 1939 when a cellar roof collapsed at 225 E. Genesee St. According to syracuse.com, the event, the city’s deadliest fire, remains a somber touchstone for the firefighting community.

During the Syracuse ceremony, a bell tolled 46 times, each ring honoring a firefighter who has died in the line of duty throughout the city’s history. Mayor Sharon Owens and Fire Chief Michael Monds addressed those gathered, reflecting on the enduring pain and pride that accompanies such service. The event also included a formal recognition of Firefighter Ethan C. Cunningham, who died from a cardiac event at home on February 6, 2017, after a shift that included an emergency call and strenuous hose drill training. As reported by the U.S. Fire Administration and syracuse.com, Cunningham’s death was officially designated as a City of Syracuse Line of Duty Death, a testament to the risks firefighters face even after their shifts end.

Fire Chief Monds used the occasion to swear in 24 newly hired firefighters, a poignant reminder that while the profession is marked by loss, it is also sustained by new generations answering the call. The ceremony served as both a memorial and a renewal, balancing grief with hope for the future.

The parallel between the losses in Washington, D.C., and Syracuse is striking. Both communities paused to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, reinforcing the notion that firefighting is a calling defined by courage, camaraderie, and a willingness to face danger for the sake of others. The rituals of remembrance—whether tolling a bell or gathering at a memorial—offer solace and a sense of continuity, binding together those who serve across cities and generations.

Chief Long’s career exemplified these values. Having started as a union member, he rose through the ranks to become a battalion chief, earning the respect of colleagues and city officials alike. His sudden passing is a stark reminder of the unpredictable hazards inherent in emergency service, and the emotional toll such losses take on the community. As the DC Fire Fighters Association noted, “He dedicated 38 years to serving the District,” a legacy that will not be forgotten.

The outpouring of condolences from city leaders, labor organizations, and fellow first responders underscores the profound impact Chief Long had on those around him. While the details of his final moments remain private, the public’s response speaks volumes about the esteem in which he was held.

As Washington, D.C., awaits further information about funeral arrangements and the circumstances of Chief Long’s death, the city continues to honor his memory. Flags are expected to fly at half-staff, and colleagues will likely gather to pay their respects in the days ahead. For now, the words of the DC Fire Fighters Association capture the prevailing sentiment: “Rest easy, Chief.”

Across the country, from the nation’s capital to upstate New York, the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters remain ever-present in the public consciousness. Each life lost in the line of duty is a solemn reminder of the price paid by those who protect their communities—and of the enduring gratitude owed to them.