Slocum, TX, Fire Safety Chief Stricken while Headed to Call, Dies
Firefighters in Slocum are preparing to honor one of their own who died Saturday after suffering a medical emergency while responding to a fire.
Slocum Fire Safety Chief Dan Hernandez, 71, who collapsed on Tuesday, died in a Tyler hospital, KETK reported.
“Whether answering emergency calls, supporting his fellow firefighters, or lending a helping hand whenever it was needed, he carried himself with courage, compassion and dedication. His commitment to protecting our community reflected the very best of being a volunteer firefighter. We honor Dan’s sacrifice and his impact on all of us who had the privilege to know him and serve alongside him," Slocum officers wrote in a statement posted to the company's Facebook page.
Hernandez had been with the department for 28 years.
Visitation is set for 5-7 p.m. July 16 at Rhone Funeral Home in Palestine.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 17 in the Slocum High School gymnasium.
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Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.