Firefighter-paramedic dies after suffering medical emergency during training exercise, officials say

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) - A Kansas City Fire Department firefighter-paramedic died Tuesday after a training exercise, according to officials.

The Kansas City Fire Department said the department member experienced a medical emergency during the training exercise.

He was taken to a hospital where he died around 1 p.m.

The man has not yet been identified, but officials said he was a 10-year veteran of the department.

The fire department said the firefighter was part of the Rescue Division at Station 35, which is one of the busiest areas of Kansas City, Missouri.

“The Kansas City Fire Department and the City of Kansas City are devastated by his loss and thank him for his dedication to the residents of Kansas City,” KCFD said in a release Tuesday afternoon. “Our condolences are with his wife, family, and brothers and sisters with IAFF Local 42 during this difficult time.”

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas issued a statement following the city’s announcement.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss today of a member of the Kansas City Fire Department who served our community with courage and commitment for a decade,” Lucas said. “Our community will forever cherish his dedication to the people of Kansas City and his love and devotion to service. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all of his brothers and sisters at KCFD.”

The fire department said emergency assistance and grief counseling are available for members who need it.

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