Emergency Responders KILLED During Routine Call

Ambulance driving through a brightly lit tunnel.

Two dedicated firefighters lost their lives in a horrific head-on collision while serving their Arizona community, highlighting the deadly risks our first responders face even during routine medical calls.

Story Snapshot

Brenna Kulikowski, 31, and Damon Thompson, 21, were killed when a westbound vehicle crossed centerlines and struck their ambulance on State Route 260
Both firefighter-paramedics were returning from a routine patient transfer when the tragic crash occurred near Show Low on September 14, 2025
The incident underscores the dangerous reality facing rural first responders who frequently travel hazardous highways to serve their communities
Arizona Department of Public Safety continues investigating the crash that claimed three lives total, including the civilian driver

Fatal Crash Claims Two Heroes

On September 14, 2025, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District lost two of its own when their ambulance was struck head-on by a westbound passenger vehicle that crossed the centerline on State Route 260. Firefighter-paramedics Brenna Kulikowski, 31, and Damon Thompson, 21, were pronounced dead at the scene along with the civilian driver. The collision occurred near milepost 319, between Heber-Overgaard and Show Low, as the crew returned from completing an interfacility patient transfer.

Fire Chief Randy Chevalier described the scene as “horrific” and praised both firefighters for their unwavering dedication to public service. The Arizona Department of Public Safety immediately launched an investigation into the crash circumstances, examining potential factors including driver impairment, distraction, or vehicle malfunction. Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her heartbreak over the tragedy, extending condolences to the families and the broader first responder community.

Rural EMS Faces Heightened Highway Dangers

This tragedy exposes the unique hazards confronting rural emergency medical services, where long-distance patient transports on winding two-lane highways are routine operations. State Route 260’s configuration presents particular challenges during nighttime travel, with limited visibility and no median barriers to prevent cross-centerline collisions. Rural EMS providers like those at Timber Mesa frequently traverse these dangerous corridors multiple times per shift, exponentially increasing their exposure to traffic-related fatalities compared to urban counterparts.

The loss of two trained professionals in a single incident devastates the operational capacity of small rural fire districts that already struggle with limited staffing. Timber Mesa must now rely on mutual aid agreements and potentially extend response times while rebuilding their team. This operational strain directly impacts community safety, as fewer available responders mean longer wait times for emergency medical care in an already underserved region.

Investigation Continues Amid Community Mourning

The Arizona Department of Public Safety continues examining physical evidence, witness statements, and potential contributing factors that led to the civilian vehicle crossing into oncoming traffic. No preliminary findings have been released regarding driver impairment, mechanical failure, or other causative elements. The thoroughness of this investigation will be crucial for determining whether systemic safety improvements are needed on rural Arizona highways.

The Show Low community has rallied around the families of Kulikowski and Thompson, with local officials and residents expressing profound grief over losing two young public servants. The tragedy has prompted discussions about enhanced safety protocols for EMS highway travel, improved ambulance crashworthiness standards, and potential infrastructure improvements to dangerous rural highway segments. These conversations reflect the broader challenge of protecting first responders who risk their lives daily serving remote communities across America.