Daniel Stack

On the night of May 8, 2024, Firefighter Daniel Stack of the Highland Volunteer Fire Department in Pennsylvania responded to a working structure fire, which lasted into the morning. His son, Riley, also responded to the mutual aid call. Two days later, on May 10, Stack passed away unexpectedly, despite heroic resuscitation efforts by Riley and fellow first responders. He died from a ruptured cerebral arterial aneurysm, considered a work-related line of duty death. He was 51 years old and had been a volunteer with the Highland Fire Department since 1989. 

Stack was born in McCandless Township, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the North Allegany school system. He grew up in a loving household with his brother, Brian, and sister, Karen. He was always a very family-oriented person who loved when everyone was together. He was a standout varsity hockey player and a diehard Steelers fan. His family meant the world to him. From a young age, he had a passion for helping others. He was a man of faith, putting others first and inspiring those around him.  

Stack joined the Ingomar Volunteer Fire Department in 1989, later serving as assistant chief, and continued at the Highland Volunteer Fire Department as an interior firefighter, becoming a life member in both. He was also a fire instructor at the Allegheny County Fire Academy and a state- certified fire instructor. In 1999, he became a Fire Marshal and emergency management coordinator for the Town of McCandless, serving for 27 years. In 2021, he became Director of Safety and Security for the North Allegheny School District, uniting first responders and faculty through emergency response plans. 

Stack met his future wife, Suzanne, in high school, and they were immediately connected. They were soulmates and loved each other deeply. They married and had three children: Riley, Kelby, and Mulaney. He was a devoted father, and his life centered around his faith and his family, never missing a game or moment to support his children. He enjoyed hunting, cooking, and golfing. He was a loyal friend and pillar of the community. His selfless dedication to helping others inspired everyone around him. His family started the WWDD Foundation (What Would Dan Do), which carries forward his legacy through community service, charitable giving and supporting those who put others before themselves. 

Firefighter Daniel Stack is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne, his children, Riley, Kelby and Mulaney, and many other family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Stack family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.