By May Soricelli

The Surveyor

Friday, April 17, 2020, Berthoud Fire Protection District’s former on-call Fire Investigator Joshua Macdonald, age 34, passed away unexpectedly due to health complications. Today, June 10, 2020 Macdonald is being honored at the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD. The USFA has ordered the flags at the Fallen Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, MD to be flown at half-staff in honor of his service.

MacDonald was hired as a Wildland Firefighter in March of 2013. In October of 2013 he was moved to a temporary Firefighter position. Josh actively served the Fire District from March 2013 to March 2016 in several capacities. In addition to a Wildland Firefighter and a Temporary Full Time Structural Firefighter, Josh served as a certified Fire Investigator.

On Friday, March 25, 2016 Fire Investigator Macdonald responded to a reported structure fire on 2nd Street, Berthoud. During the cause and origin investigation, Fire Investigator MacDonald fell through the floor injuring his left knee. Following surgery on his knee, Josh contracted MRSA. Over the next four years Josh experienced several surgeries to include the amputations of his left leg from the knee down. After his long road of medical treatment, we were saddened to receive the news of Macdonald’s passing on Friday, April 17, 2020.

The Berthoud Fire family would like to offer our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of former fire investigator Macdonald. We are truly grateful for his dedication and years of service. At this time, there are no funeral arrangements due to COVID-19 restrictions. If you would like to make a donation in Macdonald’s memory, you can donate to the Fallen Firefighter Foundation, https://www.firehero.org/