Wisconsin's capital city is mourning the loss of one its young fire department members after he collapsed and died on Easter following a shift.
The U.S. Fire Administration on Tuesday announced the line-of-duty death of Madison firefighter/paramedic Richard L. Garner Jr., who finished a 48-hour shift at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning and had responded to nineteen emergency calls during that time.
Sometime later in the day between Noon and 1 p.m., Garner fell ill and collapsed at a private residence in Mount Pleasant. Garner was treated at the scene by local EMS personnel and transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The five-year veteran of the department was only 29 years old.
"Garner is recognized by his peers for his passion for the fire service, working with youth, giving back to the community on- and off-duty, and encouraging others to consider a career in firefighting," the City of Madison Fire Department wrote in a Facebook post.
"His large personality and contributions to the department will be greatly missed."
