A New York firefighter and Marine veteran was found dead in his home from an apparent heart attack this week after going on numerous calls during Tropical Storm Isaias.
After West Point firefighter Alec Tannenbaum, 29, completed his shift Tuesday morning, he responded to multiple calls as a volunteer firefighter with the Vails Gate Fire Department throughout the afternoon, the department said in an online statement. Some of the calls included helping to clear away trees downed by the storm.
Later in the day, Tannenbaum was found unresponsive in his home, according to the department. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Tannenbaum died of an apparent heart attack. His death has been ruled as in the line of duty by the agency.
Tannenbaum had joined the Vails Gate Fire Department in 2016. He was hired as a career firefighter at West Point in June 2018.
"Alec had an ultimate goal of becoming a New York City firefighter, and had taken the exam and was due to be appointed to (an) upcoming FDNY class," the Vails Gate Fire Department stated.
Before becoming a firefighter, Tannenbaum served two tours in Afghanistan as a Marine. He earned the Purple Heart while serving.
“Alec had a great sense of humor, willing to be the brunt of many jokes, but also able to dish it out in turn, which made him beloved in the brotherhood of both departments that he served in,” the Vails Fire Department stated. “He enthusiastically applied himself to everything it did, whether it was being a firefighter, physical fitness, helping his community, or just enjoying life.”
