Unified firefighter dies due to complications with COVID-19
Oct 31, 2021, 9:05 PM | Updated: 10:52 pm
Capt. Merrill Bone with the Unified Fire Authority. (UFA)
(UFA)
SALT LAKE CITY — An active-duty firefighter with the Unified Fire Authority has died “due to complications with COVID-19,” according to the department.
Officials said Capt. Merrill Bone. Capt. Bone passed away Sunday night.
“His passing will be recognized as a Line of Duty Death,” read a tweet from UFA.
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of Captain Merrill Bone. Capt. Bone passed away this evening due to complications with COVID-19. His passing will be recognized as a Line of Duty Death. Bone- although you may be gone you will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/S7nR58xrGL
— Unified Fire (@FireAuthority) November 1, 2021
Officials said Bone joined Unified Fire Authority in 2006 after he spent 20 years as a firefighter and paramedic with the Salt Lake City Fire Department.
“During his career at Unified Fire, Captain Bone held the ranks of Paramedic, and most recently, promoted to Captain in 2013, and called Station 111 A in Magna home,” read another tweet from UFA.
Bone was also a member of the Heavy Rescue Program and an active member of Utah Task Force One.
He was deployed multiple times to disasters, including to New York City following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
“Captain Bone has been a very influential member of the Fire Service, not only to those in the Salt Lake Valley, but nationally,” the tweet continued. “Merrill’s legacy will live on in the lives of those he helped mentor in his 35 years of dedication to the service of others.”
— Unified Fire (@FireAuthority) November 1, 2021
Dozens of firefighters stood outside the hospital Sunday night as Bone’s body was transported to the mortuary.
“Although you may be gone, you will never be forgotten,” the tweet continued.
Details about the funeral service will be released at a later date.
