FL FF Dies after Busy Shift Operating Water Rescue Unit

June 8, 2022
A Hollywood firefighter spent his final 48-hour shift maneuvering the department's high water rescue unit to rescue people during a tropical storm.

A Hollywood firefighter died following a 48-hour shift where he staffed the department's high water rescue unit as a tropical storm dumped rain in the region.

Chris Allen, a 23-year veteran of the department, suffered a fatal heart attack Monday, shortly after his shift ended. He was a driver/engineer.

"It's devastating, this was totally unexpected," retired Hollywood firefighter Ken Miranda told CBS Miami.

Allen, fire officials said, was the only one on the department who was able to drive the new high water rescue vehicle and spent his last shift helping stranded motorists as the storm dumped rain in the area.

Allen leaves behind a wife and two children.