A Somerset Township Fire Department & EMS captain was stricken after he completed his shift Tuesday.
Fred A. Newton, Sr., 66, left the station where his shift included three calls.
It was about 8:15 a.m. when members noticed Newton in his running car. They knocked on the window, but the 20-year firefighter did not respond.
Once inside the car, they noticed Newton was not breathing, according to a release from the U.S. Fire Administration.
Firefighters rendered medical assistance and transported Newton to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The department posted the following message on their Facebook page: "We will always carry you with us, you taught everyone so much with all your Experience and Love for teaching, you helped others to become Fire Fighters & achieve their certifications. You have left your mark on so many fireman that you have taught over the years."
Newton worked for the Ford Motor Company for 31 years and retired as U.A.W. Assistant Fire Chief for the Livonia Transmission Plant, according to his obituary.
He was also a member of the Liberty Township Fire Department and a state cetified training coordinator.
He leaves behind his wife Mary Ann, son, Fred, daughter, Renea and five grandchildren.
Visitation will be Jan. 2 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Jan. 3 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Addison. It will be followed by a fire procession from the funeral home to Somerset Beach Campground Field House for a 2 p.m. funeral service.
