By Trend News Line 2024-06-30 16:40:01.
**Salt Lake City Fire Department Mourns Loss of Veteran Firefighter**
In a tragic turn of events, the Salt Lake City Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own. Captain Michael Harp, a dedicated firefighter with 27 years of service, lost his life in a rafting accident on Colorado’s Green River in Dinosaur National Monument.
**A Tragic Accident on the Green River**
Captain Harp was on a private permitted trip on the river when tragedy struck. Staff members were alerted to a boat pinned on a rock in the treacherous Hells Half Mile rapids, classified as a class III/IV rapid. It was soon discovered that Harp, aged 54, was missing from the raft and presumed to be trapped beneath the watercraft. Despite efforts to secure the boat, Harp was found unresponsive and without his lifejacket, which had come off during the incident.
**Recovery Efforts and a Heartbreaking Discovery**
Following the accident, recovery efforts were launched in the Canyon of Lodore, where the tragedy occurred. On a somber Friday morning, a commercial rafting company made a devastating discovery – Harp’s lifeless body was found 10 miles downstream from the accident site. The news sent shockwaves through the firefighting community and beyond.
**A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice**
Captain Harp’s dedication to his profession ran deep in his family. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a second-generation firefighter, committed to serving others. He was a member of Utah Task Force 1 and was deployed to Ground Zero in New York City following the tragic events of 9/11. His colleagues remember him as a leader, a compassionate soul, and a source of infectious laughter.
**Remembering Captain Michael Harp**
The Salt Lake City Fire Department paid tribute to Captain Harp, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to both the citizens of Salt Lake City and his fellow firefighters. His legacy of service, leadership, compassion, and humour will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. The loss of Captain Harp has left a void in the firefighting community that will be deeply felt for years to come.
**In Memory of a Hero**
As the firefighting community grieves the loss of Captain Michael Harp, his memory will serve as a reminder of the selfless dedication and sacrifice that firefighters make every day. His legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of firefighters. Rest in peace, Captain Harp, your bravery and service will never be forgotten..
– Utah fire captain identified as man killed in Colorado rafting accident
– Utah fire captain killed in Colorado rafting accident.