Michigan Fire Chief Suffers Heart Attack; Dies After Responding To Residential Fire

[SeaBreeze]

Michigan Fire Chief Suffers Heart Attack; Dies After Responding To Residential Fire


INEZ FORD
Firehouse.com News

Rick Wilbur, 56, Fire Chief of the Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department, suffered a heart attack shortly after responding to a residential fire on Sunday, March 28.

The fire department responded to a house fire at around 7 p.m., according to Public Information Officer Brian Tort. The fire turned out to be a controlled burn and firefighters never pulled attack lines. Firefighters left the scene in pairs. After a several minute delay, the Chief’s partner went to look for him. “The residence had a long driveway and after he didn’t see the chief, he drove back up the drive way.” Chief Wilbur was found unconscious in his truck, with his foot on the break, at approximately 7:45p.m.

Firefighters called 9-1-1, and performed CPR. Chief Wilbur was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:30 p.m.

Chief Wilbur was a long time member of the community. He joined the fire department in 1988 and had been Chief for the last three years.

Chief Wilbur was fondly remembered by his co-workers. Firefighter Tort described him as “a happy, fun-loving guy that would go out of his way for anybody.” He said that Chief Wilbur especially enjoyed training new firefighters.

Chief Wilbur is survived by his wife Linda, three children and several grand children.



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The visitation will be held Tuesday March 30 and Wednesday March 31 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Shelly O'Dell Funeral Home. 518 South Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
The funeral will be held on Thursday, April 1 at 11.a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church. 515 East Knight Street, Eaton Rapids MI 48827.


http://cms.firehouse.com/content/art...4&sectionId=39

[SeaBreeze]

Wilbur, Rick

Age: 56
Cause of Death: Stress/Exertion
Rank: Chief
Nature of Death: Heart Attack
Status: Volunteer
Emergency Duty: Yes

Incident Date: 03/28/2004
Duty Type: Fireground Operations
Incident Time: 19:19
Activity Type: Incident Command
Death Date: 03/28/2004
Fixed Prop. Use: Outdoor Property

Fire Dept. Info:
Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department
2029 South Michigan Rd.
Eaton Rapids , Michigan 48827

Initial Summary:
Collapsed and died from a cause to be determined, suspected heart attack, at the scene of a working grass fire.

Memorial Fund Info:
For the Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department, In memory of Chief Rick Wilbur, C/o Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department, 2029 South Michigan Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827


http://www.usfa.fema.gov/application...eath_year=2004