PLYMOUTH, Minn. — The tight-knit community of Belle Plaine and the firefighting fraternity are in mourning after the tragic loss of Lieutenant Mike Gau, a dedicated volunteer firefighter who met with a fatal accident. The 54-year-old firefighter was struck and killed by a dump truck while working in a construction zone at the intersection of Rockford Road and Nathan Lane North.
Lieutenant Mike Gau, known for his infectious laugh and unwavering dedication to the fire service, also held a position at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). The incident sent shockwaves through the community and the firefighting community.
A procession, beginning on Highway 62 and continuing onto Interstate 494 and Highway 169, before passing through Belle Plaine, paid tribute to Lieutenant Gau’s life. The Belle Plaine Fire Department Relief Association took to Facebook, sharing heartfelt sentiments: “Mike could usually be located by following the laughs on a fire ground. He will be greatly missed.”
With 23 years of service to the Belle Plaine Fire Department, Gau was a respected veteran. His commitment to the department earned him the Firefighter of the Year Award in 2021, a testament to his unwavering dedication.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that Michael Gau, a Belle Plaine resident, succumbed to “multiple blunt force injuries” following the tragic accident. The accident took place while Gau was working in a construction zone for MnDOT. State officials expressed their grief and offered support to Gau’s family and colleagues.
In Plymouth, where the accident occurred, the Plymouth Public Safety Department responded to the incident, which happened shortly before 5:30 p.m. Gau was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
A community member and volunteer firefighter, Gau was known for being present at various community events, such as National Night Out, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His laughter was infectious, and his colleagues remember him as a dedicated father and a dependable companion during emergency calls.
The tragic loss has prompted MnDOT to launch an immediate investigation in coordination with Minnesota’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Plymouth Police Department, and the Minnesota State Patrol. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by those working in construction zones and the importance of safety precautions.
As the Belle Plaine community and firefighting fraternity come to terms with this loss, Lieutenant Mike Gau’s legacy will live on through the memories and the lives he touched during his many years of service.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
