IL Capt. Collapses at Drill, Dies

An IL fire captain collapsed and died Tuesday night during a pump drill with his department.

Freeport Rural Fire Protection District Capt. Eric Kohlbauer, 52, fell forward into a dump tank.

His crew immediately pulled him out, and started CPR. They also used an AED during their efforts to revive him.

He was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. An aorta rupture appears to have caused the fatal incident. 

Kohlbauer was a 30-year veteran of the fire service. 

Visitation will be on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at Zion Church of Freeport.

Funeral services will be held on Monday,  July 18, at 10:30 a.m. at the church.