The U.S. Fire Administration announced the line-of-duty death of a Groesbeck Volunteer Fire-Rescue lieutenant who fell ill at a call earlier this month.
Lt. Richard Michael Hempel, 53, responded to an EMS call on May 8.
The next morning, May 9, Hempel was not feeling well and became unresponsive.
Emergency crews responded and transported Hempel to Limestone Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
Officials believe Hempel suffered a heart attack.
He was a four-year member of Groesbeck Fire-Rescue and served as a paramedic for Limestone Medical Center.
"It was an emotional day but we are so thankful for the outpouring of love shown to our brother," the department posted on Facebook on May 15, the day of Hempel's funeral.
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