A New York firefighter died of an apparent heart attack after a mandatory department meeting in early September, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Spring Brook Fire District No. 1 Fire Police Capt. Donald E. Trzepacz Sr., 67, was attending a department meeting to discuss and review new recruitment applications Sept. 2, the USFA stated in an alert Monday. That's when he began feeling ill, and he left the meeting for home.
Once at home, Trzepacz, who also was the current 1st vice president of the district and a past chief, suffered a fatal heart attack. He was found deceased the next morning, the USFA said.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of firefighter, past chief and current fire police...
Posted by Spring Brook Fire District #1 on Thursday, September 3, 2020
"Donny could always be counted on to share his experience and knowledge around the fire hall," the fire district stated in a social media post in September. "He was always willing to offer advice and support during training and drills."
Trzepacz was a Erie County fire instructor and taught thousands in the state's fire police class, according to the fire district. He served as a captain of the Erie County Sheriff’s K-9 Reserve Unit and as an operations technician for the Erie County Hazmat Team.
