Illinois Responder Suffers Fatal Heart Attack

Feb. 4, 2011
An Avon first responder suffered a fatal heart attack Tuesday after responding to a call during a blizzard.
An Avon first responder suffered a fatal heart attack Tuesday after responding to a call during a blizzard, according to The Register-Mail.

Dan Dare was a member of Avon First Responders, which is part of the area's fire protection district. He responded to a residence in Greenbush for a call of a 2-year-old in distress, but the call was canceled and he headed home.

As he returned home, the 52-year-old suffered a heart attack and was transported to a local fire station.

Responders at the station performed CPR without success. Other agencies attempted to respond but were unable to due to weather conditions.

Dare was pronounced dead at approximately 1 a.m. on Wednesday.

Avon First Responders is composed of 12 volunteers who work both nights and weekends. He had been a member for close to 20 years.

"He's always been there for us," Director Kay McKinley told the newspaper. "It's going to be a huge, huge loss for the whole community."

He also volunteered with the local fire department.

Funeral Arrangements

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 5 at Abingdon United Methodist Church two hours before the funeral services, which will be held at 2 p.m.

Cremation will be accorded following the service.

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