LODD: Capt. Michael Bevans, 59

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Arkansas Firefighter Dies After Surgery

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BEN WEINSTEIN

Firehouse.Com News

An Arkansas firefighter died early this month from complications associated with surgery performed for a line-of-duty injury suffered more than one year ago.

North Little Rock Fire Department Captain Michael J. Bevans, 59, died on Nov. 6 after going into cardiac arrest, which was the result of arthroscopic shoulder surgery complications.

Bevans strained his left shoulder on June 6, 2004 while loading a patient into an ambulance. Since then, he had been on light duty for the department.

Bevans was thought to be recovering from his surgery until hospital staff noticed he had stopped breathing, according to North Little Rock Assistant Chief Robert Mauldin.

Doctors put Bevans on life support. However, he was pronounced brain dead.

Mauldin said Bevans’ mother died after doctors told her that Bevans would be taken off life support.

“I think that the pressure just got to her,†Mauldin said of Bevans’ mother. He said she was in her 80s.

“He was a good guy. … Once you met him, you didn’t forget him,†Mauldin said.

Bevans had been with the department since 1968. He also was involved in his local firefighters union.

Bevans is survived by his son.

Lasting memorials may be made to the Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene, 116 S. Pine Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114.

North Little Rock Fire Department 723 North Maple North Little Rock , Arkansas 72114.