New York Firefighter Dies After Response

Nov. 17, 2014
St. James Firefighter Richard Weisse Sr., 59, was a former captain of the department.

Firefighters in a New York fire district are mourning the loss of a longtime member.

Richard Weisse, Sr., 59, collapsed Saturday during a food drive with junior members of the St. James Fire Department.

Weisse, a 42-year member of the department, had just returned from an emergency call when he was stricken.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

"Rich proudly served the St. James community for 42 years as a firefighter, ex-captain and a leader of the St. James Juniors.  He was always willing to help anyone in need both as a firefighter, a father and a member of the community," officials said in a statement on the department's website.

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