INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Fire Department lost one of its veteran firefighters Friday, Nov. 13, while in the line of duty. IFD Engineer Matthew D. Bennett was responding to a possible structural collapse at a residence. Bennett was assigned to IFD Station 1. Bennett arrived at the scene, and shortly thereafter began complaining of chest pains. He was transported to the hospital and taken immediately into surgery. Despite the quick actions of all personnel on the scene and the medical team at the hospital, Engineer Bennett did not survive.
Bennett was a 23 year firefighter veteran and a 38 year veteran of public service as an IFD Dispatcher, Wishard EMT, and reserve firefighter. He is survived by his wife Carlita, his daughter and step-daughters, mother, sister and brother, and three grandchildren.
State and local officials will fly the flag at half-staff in his memory.