David Dalrymple, a revered figure in the fire and emergency services community, passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 60 due to complications from pneumonia. His passing marks a significant loss for the field of emergency response, where he dedicated over four decades to advancing rescue education and operations.
A Lifelong Commitment to Emergency Services
Based in New Jersey, Dalrymple served as a career EMS provider for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Emergency Medical Services in New Brunswick. He also volunteered as a firefighter, EMT, and rescue technician for Clinton EMS/Rescue in Clinton, NJ. His hands-on experience in emergency services laid the foundation for his extensive teaching and consulting work.
Educator and Innovator in Rescue Techniques
Dalrymple was the executive educator for RoadwayRescue LLC, where he taught extrication techniques to responders across the United States and internationally. His expertise in vehicle extrication and transportation rescue made him a sought-after instructor and consultant. He was also the education chair for the Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee–US (TERC–US), contributing to the development of educational guidelines for extrication challenges nationwide. Memorial Gig+2Fire Engineering+2fireengineeringbooks.com+2Fire Engineering+2Memorial Gig+2fireengineeringbooks.com+2
In 2007, he received the Harvey Grant award for excellence in rescue education, recognizing his significant contributions to the field. Dalrymple’s commitment to safety extended to his involvement with the Society of Automotive Engineers task force on hybrids and electric vehicles, focusing on first and second responder safety. Fire Engineering+1Memorial Gig+1Memorial Gig+1Fire Engineering+1
Author and Media Contributor
A prolific writer, Dalrymple authored the “Extrication Tactics” column for Fire Engineering magazine and contributed the “Vehicle Extrication” chapter in Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II (2009). His insights into modern vehicle extrication, especially concerning hybrid and electric vehicles, have been invaluable to the firefighting community.
He also produced educational DVDs and hosted Training Minutes videos, further disseminating his knowledge and expertise to a broader audience. His work emphasized the importance of understanding vehicle structures and safety systems, advocating for continuous learning in the face of rapidly advancing automotive technologies.
International Influence and Recognition
Dalrymple’s influence extended beyond the United States. He served as an international-level extrication assessor, participating in extrication challenges and educational programs in North America, Europe, the UK, and South Africa. His involvement in events like the International Extrication Challenge and the World Rescue Challenge facilitated the exchange of knowledge and best practices among rescue professionals worldwide.
In January 2025, he was featured in the Fire & Safety Journal Americas Special Influencers Edition, where he emphasized the need for rescuers to “learn to read” crashed vehicles better to understand how crashes injure occupants. He expressed humility in receiving this honor, reflecting his dedication to the field.
Legacy and Impact
David Dalrymple’s passing is a profound loss to the fire and emergency services community. His legacy endures through the countless individuals he trained, the lives saved through improved rescue techniques, and the ongoing advancements in emergency response education inspired by his work. He will be remembered not only for his expertise but also for his passion, dedication, and the indelible impact he made on the field of emergency services.
As the firefighting community mourns his loss, tributes have poured in from colleagues and organizations, highlighting his contributions and the void left by his passing. His teachings and innovations will continue to influence emergency response practices for years to come.
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