OK Firefighter Dies after Being Stricken on Call

May 14, 2018
Firefighter William Brinza was still behind the wheel of the Cowskin Rural fire apparatus when he suffered a medical event Sunday.

A memorial service is set for this weekend for a Cowskin Rural Fire District firefighter who died Saturday after suffering a medical event.

Firefighter/Emergency Medical Responder William "Willie" Brinza, 64, drove Engine 351 to a structure fire near the Elk River Marina in Grove when he was stricken about 3 p.m. May 12, according to a post on the fire district's Facebook page. According to the post, Brinza was still in the driver's seat.

Firefighters and Grove EMS crews rendered immediate aid to Brinza, but he passed away at Integris Grove Hospital.

The fire district made the following statement on their Facebook page: "He had been an invaluable volunteer with the Cowskin department for nearly 9 years.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on May 19 at the Cowskin Fire Station, 25891 S 655 Rd, Grove, OK.

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