Veteran MI Firefighter Dies Suddenly in His Sleep

"He was a go-to guy," said Richland's fire chief about Earl "Sparky" Meier, who served with the department for nearly 30 years and died suddenly Monday.

Nov. 26, 2020

A veteran Michigan firefighter died suddenly earlier this week.

Earl "Sparky" Meier, 65, had been with the Richland Fire Department for 28 years, WXMI-TV reports. He died at home in his sleep Monday.

Meier worked primarily as an engine operator with the department, and his colleagues relied on his expertise.

"He was a go-to guy," Fire Chief Jerry Luedecking told WXMI. "If I need a truck taken in for repairs, he would do it. If one of the firemen needed help with something, he would do it. He was always reliable."

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, funeral services will be limited to family. The department hopes to hold a celebration of Meier's life this summer.