Firefighter tragically dies in catastrophic accident while teaching swift water rescue course

Even experienced professionals who have years of experience fall prey to uncertain circumstances which can end up tragically taking their lives.

Alicia A. Monahan had a spotless track record with Chesterfield County Fire and EMS in Virginia spanning over 11 years. During her time with emergency services in Virginia, she was a firefighter who was assigned to Engine 207-B shift.

Congratulations to Alicia and K9 Kalix for passing their Light Brush search assessment. Way to go!

Posted by Virginia Search and Rescue Dog Association on Sunday, April 24, 2022

She was teaching a swift water rescue course when she met with a tragic accident that ended up taking her life. It is not known what exactly happened that ended up claiming her life.

But according to official resources, a swift water rescue course is when rescuers are taught to handle and navigate through moving water and similar water-related disasters.

Congratulations to Alicia and K9 Kalix for passing their Light Brush search assessment. Way to go!

Posted by Virginia Search and Rescue Dog Association on Sunday, April 24, 2022

Alicia leaves behind her fiancee and two sons. In a tribute post posted by Chesterfield County Fire and EMS, they wished her family well.

The post read, “Our prayers and full support are with her fiancée and both her sons. Our hearts and prayers go out to Alicia’s family, friends, and co-workers during this very difficult time.”

The Virginia Search and Rescue Dog Association also posted about their devastation over the loss of Alicia. They wrote, “Alicia was more than a teammate she was also a personal friend to many of us and this loss is unimaginable.” Continuing, “Alicia was a wonderful, caring person . . . a beautiful, bright light went out today and our hearts are broken.”

We lost a good one:RIP Alicia SAR (search and rescue)DEATH: Alicia Monahan was reportedly teaching swiftwater (SW) SAR…

Posted by Ann Bangs on Sunday, June 26, 2022

The 41-year-old was well-loved by the community she lived in and selflessly served.

In her life, Alicia had been a member of the Virginia SAR Dog Association (VSRDA). She was currently training a border collie named Zoe in Wildnerness Search.

By all accounts, Alicia A. Monahan was a person full of zest for life and an incredibly giving and selfless human being. We extend our condolences in this trying time for her family and wish that she rests in peace.

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