INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis firefighter Matthew D. Bennett died Saturday after he complained of chest pains at a call Friday morning, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department.
Bennett, 49, a veteran firefighter for 23 years, was driving Engine 1 around 10:15 a.m. to the 5400 block of Brendan Park Drive after a car drove into a home. As crews began to shore up the inside of the home, Bennett was inside a Lawrence Fire Department ambulance with chest pains.
It is believed the driver hit the gas instead of the brakes, according to IFD. No one inside the house or car were injured.
He was taken to the Heart Hospital at Community Hospital North and immediately went into surgery. He died Saturday surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his wife Carlita Bennett, daughter Samantha, 16, stepdaughter Allie Brouwer, 25, stepson Chandler Brouwer, 22, and three grandchildren, Grace, Gwen, and William Jr.
Bennett was appointed to the Franklin Township Fire Department in December 1997 and joined IFD when the departments merged in July 2010. Prior to joining the Franklin Township Fire Department, he was an Indianapolis Fire Department dispatcher and Wishard EMT. He was a dedicated public safety servant for 38 years.
"Our hearts are broken," a statement from IFD read. "Please keep Matt, his family and his IFD family in your thoughts as we all grieve his unexpected loss."
More information about services for Bennett have not yet been released.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett released the following statement following the news of Bennett's death:
I’m deeply saddened by the death of IFD Engineer Matthew Bennett. Matt has bravely served our city for more than two decades, first with the Franklin Township Fire Department, and since 2010 with the men and women of IFD. He was a true public servant, dedicated to ensuring the continued safety of our community.
Steph and I send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters, as all of Indianapolis joins in mourning this loss.
Hogsett is also calling upon state and local officials to join him in flying flags at half-staff to remember Bennett.
Matt Bennett started his fire service career in Wayne Township. Our warmest wishes to Matt's family, both the personal one and the fire service. Matt only wanted to be a good firefighter, and he succeeded. Rest easy brother, from your WTFD friends. https://t.co/7Os3ljZYMB
— Wayne Township Fire Department (@Waynetwpfire) November 14, 2020
Our prayers go to the family of Matthew Bennett and the entire Indianapolis Fire Department for their loss. @IFD_NEWS https://t.co/74uVkI3BRU
— Indianapolis EMS (@IndianapolisEMS) November 14, 2020
Our prayers go out to the the family of Firefighter Matt Bennett’s family and the @IFD_NEWS . God speed Brother. https://t.co/nOHKoIbEJj
— Bargersville Fire Department 🇺🇸 (@BCFD20) November 14, 2020
It’s with great sadness that we share the on duty passing of @IFD_NEWS Engineer Matthew Bennett. Our condolences and support are with Matthew’s family, friends, the Indianapolis Fire Department, and @IAFF416. https://t.co/q3Lc0EvwT6
— Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana (@PFFUI) November 14, 2020
Our hearts break with our brothers and sisters of @IFD_NEWS. This is a tragic loss for our entire community.
— IMPD (@IMPDnews) November 14, 2020
Thank you, Engineer Bennett, for all you did for the people of Indianapolis. Rest in peace. https://t.co/sVg8R1NuHI
Our thoughts and prayers are with Firefighter Bennett’s family, as well as his brothers and sisters at IFD. Matt was a wonderful person. RIP Firefighter Bennett you will be missed.
— City of Lawrence FD (@Lawrence_FD) November 14, 2020
Our thoughts go out as we grieve with the @IFD_NEWS over the loss of Engineer Matthew Bennett. https://t.co/tB3Vc3gpG8
— Southport Police (@SouthportPD) November 14, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters @IFD_NEWS during this difficult time. #RIP Engineer Bennett for your service.
— Greenfield Police (@GreenfieldIN_PD) November 14, 2020
The Hamilton County Professional Fire Fighters send our condolences and support to the @IFD_NEWS on the passing of Engineer Matthew Bennett. Please keep Matthew’s family, friends, the Indianapolis Fire Department, and @IAFF416 in your thoughts and prayers. https://t.co/R5ti9Q2CWi
— IAFF Local 4416 (@IAFFLocal4416) November 14, 2020
