Retired Appleton Cop Dies in Home Fire — Investigation Underway
When I first heard about the fire on North Meade Street, my heart sank. You can’t help but feel the weight of it when someone who dedicated their life to protecting others, like Ronnie McIntire, loses their own battle at home.
He was 86, a retired Appleton Police Lieutenant, a Marine, and someone who still showed up every day as a school crossing guard.
On February 18, a kitchen fire turned tragic, and despite being rescued by firefighters and rushed to the hospital, Ronnie didn’t make it. As I read the news, I kept thinking — how do we honor lives like his, and what lessons can we take to protect ourselves and those we love?
Incident Timeline: How the Fire Happened
On February 18, 2026, I couldn’t stop thinking about how quickly life can change. Ronnie McIntire, 86, noticed a fire starting in his kitchen and immediately called 911. It’s chilling to realize that he tried to protect himself and act fast…