Pennsylvania Fire Police Officer Dies After Cardiac Arrest While Responding to Call

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• Richlandtown, PA: Fire Police Officer Todd Koch suffered a severe respiratory attack and cardiac arrest while responding to an emergency call on March 9, 2026, and died, the Richlandtown Fire Company reported.
• Koch was a member of the volunteer fire police serving the Richlandtown Borough area.
• Fellow responders began immediate lifesaving efforts, but Koch succumbed to the medical emergency, the department said.
• Funeral arrangements and services are pending release, according to the fire company.

RICHLANDTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Fire Police Officer Todd Koch of the Richlandtown Fire Company died March 9 after suffering a severe respiratory emergency that led to cardiac arrest while responding to an emergency call, the department said in a public post.

Koch, a member of the volunteer fire police unit serving the borough, experienced the medical event during the response and colleagues initiated lifesaving measures immediately, the fire company said.

Despite continued treatment by fellow responders, Koch succumbed to the medical emergency at the scene, department officials reported.

The Richlandtown Fire Company described Koch as a dedicated member and asked the public to keep his family and fellow volunteers in their thoughts.

Additional details about funeral services and memorial plans will be provided by the department when available, the post said.