San Francisco Firefighter Melinda (Mindy) Ohler died on January 13, 2003, of head injuries she received when she fell from her engine as it responded to a call on January 8. She was the first woman to die in the line of duty in the history of the San Francisco Fire Department.

Ohler, who was 40, had been on the fire department for 13 years. She was also a registered nurse and an active community volunteer, and was highly regarded by her co-workers.

According to a SFFD spokesperson, Ohler underwent surgery twice in the hours after the accident, to relieve bleeding or intracranial pressure from her injuries, but she never regained consciousness. Her family immediately traveled from Indiana to be with her in the hospital, with the assistance of San Francisco Firefighters' Local #798

It was not immediately known how Ohler came to fall from the engine as it left Station 42 on San Bruno Street, en route to a fire alarm at San Francisco International Airport. (The alarm was later canceled.) The SFFD has announced that out of respect for the family, the details of her death will remain confidential.

The SFFD press release of January 14 also said, "Consistent with FF Ohler's incredible character, her wishes and the wishes of her family, the ultimate gift of life is today being made. Many critically ill or injured patients will benefit from Mindy's multiple organ donation."

A memorial service for Firefighter Ohler was held on January 16 at St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco.

Donations in Melinda Ohler's name may be made to the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, 665 Third St., Suite 345, San Francisco CA 94107, and the Local #798 Surviving Families Fund, 1139 Mission Street, San Francisco CA 94103.

Read a letter from Mindy's niece about her aunt