On March 5, 1985, Arlington Firefighter Ronny Snow, age 25, died in a training accident. 

Ronald B. Snow was born in New Mexico in 1959. He spent most of his life in North Texas, graduating from Grapevine High School in 1977. He was a three year veteran of the Arlington Fire Department and had recently transferred to the southwest Arlington fire station.

Snow often worked with rookies, serving as an unofficial mentor. On March 5, 1985, he and Carlos Tumpkin, a recent graduate, were using an extension ladder as part of a training exercise when the accident occurred. The aluminum ladder was inadvertently blown into a high-voltage wire, causing a jolt and resulting in a power outage at the station. Firefighters rushed outside to investigate and found both men lying unconscious. Tumpkin suffered minor burns, while Snow was electrocuted and succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased at a local hospital soon after.

Arlington Firefighter Ronny Snow (1959–1985)

Flags at Arlington fire stations flew at half-staff, and crew members wore badges with a strip of black tape in his honor. The entire department grieved for him and wanted to comfort his wife, Alecia. Mourners packed the First Baptist Church of Arlington for the funeral. Over 900 people attended, including more than 125 firefighters from North Texas, with a full honor guard presiding. A lengthy funeral procession traveled to Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville for burial.

Ronny Snow was the first Arlington firefighter to die in the line of duty since volunteer firefighter Champ Barnes died in 1951. 

Always with a smile, Snow was enthusiastic about helping others and was often the first to extend a helping hand. Remembered as a devoted family man who loved being a firefighter and a part of the team, he served with dignity and pride. 

A street at Fire Station #7, ‘Ronny Snow Drive,’ was later named in his honor.

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 03-05-26