A New Jersey volunteer firefighter has died after collapsing due to an apparent seizure during a training drill.
The U.S. Fire Administration on Wednesday morning announced the line-of-duty death of firefighter Edward J. Frenenski, 31, who was an active member of Stanhope Hose Company No. 1.
Frenenski was participating in vehicle extrication training at the Sussex County Public Safety Academy in Frankford on Monday night when the medical emergency occurred.
While performing a practical evolution, Frenenski suffered the apparent seizure and was immediately treated by fire department and EMS personnel on the scene. He went into cardiac arrest during transport to the hospital and CPR was initiated. Life-saving measures were continued by emergency room staff, but Frenenski was pronounced dead 2 1/2 hours later.
According to the New Jersey Herald, Frenenski had been an active member of the fire department for 12 years, and his father -- also named Edward Frenenski -- was a former chief of the department and is still an active member.
Sussex County Fire Marshal Virgil Rome Jr. called the situation truly upsetting and tragic for the family and his fellow firefighters, adding that grief counseling has been made available.
George Graham, county freeholder and resident of Stanhope, did not comment on specifics but told the Herald that Frenenski was a "fine young man."
