The assistant chief of Valero Refinery Fire Brigade in Texas died April 3 at College Station Medical Center, the day after he collapsed following an exercise at the Brayton Fire Training Field.
David Moore, 40, was in the rehab area after participating in a live burn drill when he collapsed after complaining that he wasn't feeling well. He was rushed to the medical center, but never regained consciousness.
Medical tests determined that Moore, the father of three, had suffered a stroke, said Ponch Gonzales, a firefighter/paramedic with Bryan Fire Department.
Recently, Moore and his family had discussed the importance of becoming organ donors; his wishes were carried out, Gonzales said. "It was a wonderful gift."
The training session for Moore's fellow firefighters, slated to last all week, was canceled. Before being sent home, they met with grief counselors.
The Brayton Fire Training Field, affiliated with Texas A&M University, is the largest facility for firefighters and emergency responders in the United States. On the 120-acre site, they have several buildings, towers, tanks, industrial plant structures and a ship where simulations are staged.
