A 12-year veteran fire police officer from the Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company collapsed and died Friday night while working at the scene of a car fire.
According to Asstistant Chief Rich Beck, James W. McAuley, 78, of Lehighton, had moved his truck to allow a department vehicle to move on the scene. He was found slumped over the steering wheel a short time later.
Beck said they started CPR, used their AED and transported McAuley to the Palmerton Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
McAuley had been a member of the Capitol View Volunteer Fire Department in Morrisville, Pa., and the Trachsville VFD, according to Beck. He is survived by his wife, Doris, two sons and three grandchildren. The department is located north of Allentown.
Requiem Eucharist and Burial Office will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, in St. John's Episcopal Church, 365 Lafayette Ave., Palmerton. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, in Morrisville Cemetery.
