VA Firefighter Dies Nearly Month after Medical Emergency

A Virginia firefighter died this week, nearly a month after suffering an on-duty medical emergency.

According to a social media post by the Franklin County Department of Public Safety, firefighter/paramedic Eric Newman was taken to the hospital for a "major medical event" while he was working his July 14 shift. He passed away Wednesday at a  Roanoke Memorial Hospital, his obituary stated.

No details were released concerning the nature of the medical 

Newman, 59, had worked out of Snow Creek Rescue Squad's station as one of its paid EMS personnel from the county, according to the emergency agency. He also was lifetime member of the Bassett Rescue Squad.

"He was a very loving and kind man. He will be missed," the Snow Creek Rescue Squad stated in an online post.

Along with his work in the field as a firefighter-paramedic, Newman spent time in the classroom as an instructor, as well. He taught Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support classes for the Henry County Department of Public Safety and was the coordinator at its American Heart Association Basic Life Support Training Center, according to the department.

"He has trained a large number of providers who serve throughout the region including Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania counties, the City of Martinsville, as well as his career agency, Franklin County Department of Public Safety," the department stated. He also taught EMT in the high school in one of the longest running local programs at Franklin County High School. He has left a legacy in the form of people who continue the work saving lives and teaching others to do the same."

He is survived by his wife and a daughter.