Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Employee Killed In Murder-Suicide

by News Desk | May 13, 2023 · 8:06 am | Fort Lauderdale News

Gwendolyn Bass-Kemp Victim Of Murder-Suicide Incident In Fort Lauderdale

Last Updated: Mar 28, 2026 · 4:49 pm

Join the conversation.

Most reader discussion happens on our Facebook page. Follow Boca Post for breaking news and join the conversation.

This Advertising Spot Is Available

Reach Boca Raton readers daily through trusted local news coverage.

Secure this placement and get your business in front of thousands of local readers.

Limited placements available. Local businesses only.

Gwendolyn Bass-Kemp Victim Of Murder-Suicide Incident In Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2023) — A Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue employee was shot and killed during a murder-suicide in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, May 11th, 2023.

Gwendolyn Lynette Bass-Kemp, a Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue 18-year veteran, was shot and killed by Richard Kenneth McDonald during a stand-off with the Police. Fort Lauderdale Police tell Boca Post that the suspect did not exchange gunfire with the Police.

At approximately 8:24 pm, FLPD responded to the 1700 block of NW 27th Terrace in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, the suspect armed and barricaded himself inside the residence and is believed to have set it on fire.

FLPD SWAT and negotiators were on scene attempting to negotiate with the suspect. Approximately 2 hours after the incident began, the suspect exited the home armed with a handgun. FLPD SWAT and negotiators continued their attempts to negotiate with the suspect. The suspect ultimately shot himself and was later pronounced deceased at the scene. Gwendolyn Lynette Bass-Kemp was located inside the home, and she was pronounced deceased. Police have said this is a murder suicide.

Gwendolyn Bass-Kemp. Gwen worked as a Billing Specialist for Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. She joined the City in 2005 and was a valued member of the team for 18 years. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gwen’s family during this difficult time.

Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center Trains For 2026 Hurricane Season

Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center Trains For 2026 Hurricane Season

Palm Beach County emergency managers are training, coordinating with weather officials, and urging residents to prepare before the 2026 hurricane season begins.

Boca Raton Man Arrested In Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash That Killed 17-Year-Old

Boca Raton Man Arrested In Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash That Killed 17-Year-Old

A 19-year-old Boca Raton man is facing a felony charge after police said he left the scene of a crash that killed a 17-year-old pedestrian near SW 14th Street and SW 14th Avenue.

Boca Raton Police Say Parking Lot Fight Outside Cinemark Led To Felony Battery Arrest

Boca Raton Police Say Parking Lot Fight Outside Cinemark Led To Felony Battery Arrest

A Delray Beach woman was arrested after Boca Raton police said a domestic dispute outside Cinemark on Airport Road escalated into battery and alleged strangulation.

50 Dogs Rescued From Tennessee Neglect Case Now Headed To Florida

50 Dogs Rescued From Tennessee Neglect Case Now Headed To Florida

Tri-County Humane says 50 dogs are now on their way to Florida after being pulled from a Tennessee rescue operation involving severe neglect and urgent medical needs.

George Bush Boulevard Bridge In Delray Beach To Close June 1 For Nearly Seven Weeks

George Bush Boulevard Bridge To Close June 1 Through July 20

The George Bush Boulevard Bascule Bridge in Delray Beach will close to vehicles and pedestrians from June 1 through July 20 for essential bridge deck repairs.