Firefighter DeFlumere died in the line of duty on October 26‚ 1996‚ his 11th wedding anniversary. He awoke in his own home to the smell of smoke. He led his wife and two of their sons‚ ages 8 and 4 out a window to safety. He returned into the house to get Matthew age 6 but they never came out. They were found in each other’s arms by the window.