A Providence firefighter died suddenly Tuesday on duty at his desk.
Deputy Assistant Chief Michael Day was in his office at Fire Department headquarters Tuesday night when he apparently suffered a heart attack and died. He had recently come from a call to a small fire.
This is the first time in decades that a firefighter has died in the line of duty. Many Providence firefighters gathered at Rhode Island Hospital, where Day was taken by rescue.
Mayor David N. Cicilline ordered the flags on all city buildings lowered to half-staff in memory of Day.
Day has been recognized for his outstanding professionalism and courage on three different occasions, including in 1989, when he was awarded the Heroic Action commendation for rescuing four people from the roof of a burning house.
Promoted to the rank of Deputy Assistant Chief last June, Day had just completed his final class in the Executive Officer program at the National Fire Academy. He also served as the former Health and Safety Officer for the International Association of Firefighters Local 799.
Day comes from a long line of firefighters. His father, now deceased, and three brothers, one of whom passed away in 2002, served as firefighters.
"Our hearts go out to his wife and four children and I ask the residents of this city to please keep his family and the members of his extended family in the Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers," Cicilline said in statement from City Hall.
Day was a 27-year veteran of the Fire Department.
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