LODD: Rensselaer Asst.Chief of Heart Attack

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Assistant fire chief dies in Rensselaer

Micheal Falkouski was stricken of an apparent heart attack as he arrived at a fire early Sunday morning

By BRUCE A. SCRUTON, Staff writer  

Last updated: 10:35 a.m., Monday, January 24, 2005  

RENSSELAER -- Assistant Fire Chief Micheal Falkouski died early today at Albany Memorial Hospital of an apparent heart attack, in what may be the first line-of-duty death in the history of the department, city fire officials said.

Falkouski, 59, was stricken as he arrived at a fire scene just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday at the corner of Eighth and Ash streets, officials said, and a neighbor found the chief lying on the ground beside his car and other firefighters administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The fire department announced his death at 9:30 a.m.  

The fire, in a garage, also critically injured Jeff Williams, who apparently was working on a food cart at the time, fire officials said. He was burned on his chest and arms from exploding propane tank.

He was taken to the Westchester Medical Center burn unit and was listed in critical condition.

``I have been good friends with Mike Falkouski since we were kids,'' said Chief James VanVorst. ``He has been a pillar of the fire department for decades. This is a tremendous loss, not only for the fire department but for the entire community.''

Falkouski joined the city's E.F. Hart Hose Company, as a volunteer in the early 1970s and transferred to Chemical & Hose Company, a decade later. He was appointed second assistant chief in 1998.

Survivors include his wife, Susan, two children, Micheal Falkouski Jr., and Elizabeth and two grandchildren.