A Pennsylvania firefighter died suddenly at his home following a call Tuesday, the U.S. Fire Administration announced Friday.
Lt. Neil B. Cope, 46, was part of a North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department engine crew that responded to a mutual aid call just after 1:30 a.m. concerning a residential fire, the agency said. Cope and the other firefighters cleared the scene after about 45 minutes, and Cope returned home.
At around 7:30 a.m., the lieutenant spoke with his wife on the phone, but when she tried calling him multiple times later in the day, Cope didn't answer. She then came home at around 4 p.m. and discovered Cope on the bedroom floor. He was not breathing and was cold to the touch, according to the USFA.
Paramedics were called, and they pronounced Cope dead at his home. The cause and nature of Cope's death are under investigation, the federal agency said.
Cope had been with the North Belle Vernon department for six years, KDKA-TV reports. He also served as the department's secretary, treasurer and bingo chairman, the TV station added.
Viewings will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Parzynski Funeral Home in Belle Vernon, with a firefighter's service at 7 p.m., the department said in an online post. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. A private funeral service also will be held Saturday, KDKA reports.
