09/01/2026
With permission from his wife, we would like to address some of the questions and comments regarding one of our firefighters who was recently involved in a serious motor vehicle accident.
First and foremost, our priority from the moment this incident occurred has been the well-being of our firefighter and his family.
The accident occurred within our response area while he was traveling to work at the Minerva Fire Department. Our crews responded to the incident, cared for one of our own, and transported him for further medical treatment.
Since that time, we have intentionally chosen not to share details of his accident, condition, or recovery on social media. This was not due to a lack of concern, involvement, or support. It was a conscious decision to extend him and his family the same privacy and respect we would give any patient we encounter in our community. It was also a direct effort to not violate HIPAA laws by sharing personal information with the public about an incident which the Fire Department is forbidden to do so by law.
As the Chief, I have remained in direct and continued contact with his wife, and the department stands ready to provide whatever assistance the family needs. Both he and his wife are full-time members of the Minerva Fire Department family, and their well-being is deeply important to us.
We understand that other organizations and individuals may choose to show their support publicly through fundraisers, social media posts, or other efforts, and we appreciate anyone who genuinely wishes to help this family. Our decision to support them privately should not be interpreted as an absence of support.
This is not a common occurrence for the members of the Fire department to be called to run on one of their own to start the day, then later that same day handling another close to home fatality. As the Chief, i took all these factors into consideration in not only handling one lone incident but the multiple people the days events had effect on.
There is often much more happening behind the scenes than what appears on Facebook. Caring for our own does not require a social media post, and protecting the privacy of a member and his family during an incredibly difficult time will always take priority over public perception.
We will continue to respect their privacy, support them in the ways they need, and allow the family to determine what information they wish to share publicly.
— Chief Catlett
