‘He wanted to help’: First responder to PEPCON explosion dies at 82

Former Henderson Fire Department Captain Don Griffie, who was among the first emergency responders to reach the scene of the 1988 PEPCON explosion, died July 6 at the age of 82 from cardiac arrest and cancer. Griffie’s sons, Fred and Donnie Griffie, recalled that their father viewed the disaster as “just another day” and said, “If he thought someone needed help, he wanted to help.” The PEPCON facility, which stored an estimated 4,500 tons of ammonium perchlorate used in solid‑fuel rocket boosters for NASA space shuttles, exploded on May 4, 1988. The initial blast occurred around 11:30 a.m., triggering a series of detonations that killed two people and injured at least 370. The explosions caused millions of dollars in damage, with property losses to surrounding businesses and homes estimated at $74 million. Shock waves were felt within a 10‑mile radius, and two of the blasts registered 3.0 and 3.5 on the Richter scale, according to a NASA analysis. A 2012 NASA study described the event as the largest domestic non‑nuclear detonation in recorded history. Griffie recounted in a 2018 interview with the Las Vegas Review‑Journal that he arrived after the first explosion down a dirt road that is now Warm Springs Road. He exited his truck to attempt a three‑point turn when the second blast threw him several feet into the air; he landed on his back atop the vehicle. He also recalled moving through the day with shards of glass in his eyes and said, “The whole time I was thinking how fortunate I was to be alive.” According to his sons, Griffie spent 35 years as a Henderson firefighter, helping shape the department as the city grew from a small municipality into a bustling suburb. He responded to the deadly 1980 MGM Grand fire that claimed 85 lives. As a former president of Henderson Professional Fire Fighters Local 1883, he was instrumental in bringing the first paramedic to the department and launching the city’s ambulance program. Donnie Griffie noted, “He saw not only Henderson explode in growth but the whole of Clark County,” adding, “There were just a couple of Henderson fire stations when he started.” Fred Griffie described his father’s work ethic: “He was a workaholic and worked his whole life. He was retired from the fire department but not from working. He was always motivated and get work done.” After retiring in 2005, Griffie founded D & R Hydrant, a firm specializing in fire‑hydrant design, installation and repair for residential and commercial clients. His sons said he remained active until the end of his life. A funeral service was held Saturday, with a Henderson Fire Department motor escort accompanying the hearse carrying Griffie’s casket, which was borne by firefighters. During the service, Fred and Donnie Griffie said attendees shared how their father had positively impacted colleagues. Fred recalled, “The most common thing when people came to see him, they said, ‘Without you in my life, it would never have been the same, and you changed my life for the better.’” Fire Chief Scott Vivier issued a statement: “The fire service is more than a job — it’s a lifelong brotherhood, and Capt. Griffie exemplified that spirit by remaining a valued member of our fire family long after his retirement. It was our privilege to stand with his family in celebrating his life and legacy.” Donnie Griffie added, “In some instances, the fire department was his first family. It meant everything to him.” Griffie is survived by his sons Fred, Donnie and Scott; daughters Dinell Whitter and Vicky Dahlin; numerous step‑children, grandchildren and great‑grandchildren; and his late wife, Constance Griffie. Fred Griffie noted that his father passed away on the 56th anniversary of his first day with the Henderson Fire Department, a detail he said underscored the depth of his commitment to the profession.