Delaware Firefighter Dies After Heart Attack During Call

[Guest x2371]

Delaware Firefighter Dies After Heart Attack During Call

HEATHER CASPI

Firehouse.Com News

A Delaware firefighter died in the line of duty Sunday, July 10 after suffering an apparent heart attack while investigating a possible structure fire.

Firefighter Joe Evans, 61, had served the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company since 1964.

The department was responding to a call for a possible structure fire Sunday at about 1:30 a.m., said fire department president Allen Parsons. Evans was the engineer on one of the responding pieces of apparatus.

"They were checking inside the residence, and outside too, at the time he collapsed," Parsons said. Evans immediately received aid from his fellow firefighters and was transported to the hospital in an ambulance already on scene.

Evans is survived by a son and daughter, and will be remembered as a go-getter, Parsons said. He was also a former officer of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association and the Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association, where he was president three years ago.

The Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company has 55 members and serves a population of 4,000. This is the department's first line of duty death, Parsons said.

Funeral arrangements were being planned Tuesday. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.