A veteran Detroit firefighter died suddenly at his home just hours after completing an overnight shift earlier this month.
47-year-old Patrick Trout, a 12-year veteran of the Detroit Fire Department, passed away on Jan. 5 after returning home from his shift with Squad 4.
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Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms declared Trout’s death a “presumed line of duty death” pending the outcome of the medical examiner’s final report. He was reportedly injured during his shift.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Detroit Firefighter Patrick Trout,” said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. “Firefighter Trout was a proud member of Squad 4 and a firefighter who embodied service, compassion, and had a great sense of humor. The team at Squad 4 said they will miss his morning hugs – they are a very close group.”
Simms highlighted Trout’s dedication to the community, noting a recent example of his service. “Just last year, Firefighter Trout was among the crews who worked tirelessly for hours in Southwest Detroit, rescuing residents from their homes during the water main break—putting others first, as he always did.”
Beyond his service to Detroit, Trout was also a decorated U.S. Army veteran who served in both the National Guard and Army Reserves. During his military career, he served with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion 125th and the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.
The Detroit Fire Department has rallied around Trout’s family, including his wife Shannon and 7-year-old son Jackson. The Yard Foundation has launched a Mayday Campaign to support the family through this sudden loss.
“His dedication to this department and to the people of Detroit will never be forgotten,” Simms said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, young son, loved ones, and his brothers and sisters here in the Detroit Fire Department during this incredibly difficult time.”
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Firefighter Patrick Trout.
A proud member of Squad 4, Firefighter Trout was known for his compassion, service and sense of humor. His dedication to this department and the people of Detroit will never be forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, son, loved ones, and his brothers and sisters here in the Detroit Fire Department during this difficult time."
DFD Social Media Post
Click here to see the full post.
The Detroit Firefighters Association also released the following statement:
“Its with a heavy heart that the Detroit Firefighters Association (L344), is mourning the Line of Duty Death of SFF Patrick Trout. His funeral was held on January 12, 2026, where the men and women of the Detroit Fire Department and surrounding fire departments honored his life and service to our country and the citizens of the city of Detroit. SFF Trout was a 11 year veteran of the Detroit fire department and served in the United States Army. The union is pushing for the City of Detroit, to join with them and also label this a Line of Duty so the family of SFF Patrick Trout will be eligible to receive many other funding resources to assist the family as they mourn the loss of their husband, father, and son."
Statement from Detroit Firefighters Association President Thomas M. Gehart