Richard Sheltra - Firefighter Fatality - Pineview, North Carolina

Firefighter Richard Sheltra, age 20, died in the line of duty on April 30, 2016, at a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Richard Sheltra

Firefighter Sheltra was a volunteer member of the Pineville-Morrow Volunteer Fire Department. He had three years of service. 

After 9:00 p.m., Richard and other firefighters were working a fire at a strip mall in Pineville. Richard was inside of the building and may have gotten lost in the smoke and couldn't find his way out. 

Fellow firefighters removed him from the building and he was rushed to a hospital in Charlotte. Tragically, Richard died of his injuries. 

The circumstances of the fire are under investigation. 

Richard was training to be an Emergency Medical Technician. In January of 2016, he had been named Rookie of the Year by the Pineville Fire Department. He wanted a career in firefighting. That was his goal in life. 

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for
Richard and for those
who have lost him.

Friends describe Richard as selfless. He was always willing to help others.

The Pineville-Morrow Fire Department is in mourning over the death of their young brother. He had a future in firefighting. He was an asset to his comrades. He will be forever remembered.

Richard's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He was a good kid who was just starting out in life. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Richard is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his mother and father and his sister. 

Thank you for your service to the community, Richard. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die suddenly. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Richard is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.