SeaBreeze
07-26-2002, 01:58 PM
Ohio FF Stricken After Call
HEATHER CASPI
Firehouse.com News
An Ohio firefighter died in the line of duty Saturday when he suffered a heart attack and fell off a fire truck while returning to the station from a fire call.
Leo Swank, 50, served the Bellville-Jefferson Township Fire Department for 27 years.
After responding to a chimney fire at 10:41 a.m., the crew was just a block away from the station when Swank fell sideways out of the jump seat between the cab and bed of the vehicle.
"He suffered a massive heart attack, slipped out of the apparatus and fell to the ground, said Lt. Steve Strickling.
Strickling said the vehicle was moving slowly because it was making a turn, and paramedics riding in a vehicle behind provided immediate medical attention.
"They worked on him, but to no avail," Strickling said.
The Franklin County Coroner's Office is performing an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Fire officials called Swank "one of the very best" firefighters, and said he had made at least 80 of the volunteer department's 86 runs this quarter.
Swank was a lieutenant, EMT, and served as president of the Jefferson Township-Bellville Firefighter's Association.
He also worked as a mechanic for a tree farm, and previously owned and operated a gas station.
Swank was an avid sports enthusiast, Strickling said. He coached youth baseball and football, and played semi-professional football with the Clear Fork Wheels in the 1970's.
Swank also served with the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry during the Vietnam War, and was a member of the American Legion, Bellville Post of the V.F.W. and the National AMVETS.
He has a brother and a son in the fire department, and two other sons in the Explorers program.
In addition to his three sons, Swank is survived by his wife Pamela, two daughters and a granddaughter.
Calling hours will take place Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Snyder Funeral Home in Bellville.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a full procession to Belleville Cemetery. Members of the Jefferson Township-Bellville Fire Department will serve as color guard, and Irvin Hiskey Post #535 American Legion will hold graveside military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jefferson Township-Bellville Fire Department.
http://www.firehouse.com/lodd/2002/oh_mar18.html
HEATHER CASPI
Firehouse.com News
An Ohio firefighter died in the line of duty Saturday when he suffered a heart attack and fell off a fire truck while returning to the station from a fire call.
Leo Swank, 50, served the Bellville-Jefferson Township Fire Department for 27 years.
After responding to a chimney fire at 10:41 a.m., the crew was just a block away from the station when Swank fell sideways out of the jump seat between the cab and bed of the vehicle.
"He suffered a massive heart attack, slipped out of the apparatus and fell to the ground, said Lt. Steve Strickling.
Strickling said the vehicle was moving slowly because it was making a turn, and paramedics riding in a vehicle behind provided immediate medical attention.
"They worked on him, but to no avail," Strickling said.
The Franklin County Coroner's Office is performing an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Fire officials called Swank "one of the very best" firefighters, and said he had made at least 80 of the volunteer department's 86 runs this quarter.
Swank was a lieutenant, EMT, and served as president of the Jefferson Township-Bellville Firefighter's Association.
He also worked as a mechanic for a tree farm, and previously owned and operated a gas station.
Swank was an avid sports enthusiast, Strickling said. He coached youth baseball and football, and played semi-professional football with the Clear Fork Wheels in the 1970's.
Swank also served with the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry during the Vietnam War, and was a member of the American Legion, Bellville Post of the V.F.W. and the National AMVETS.
He has a brother and a son in the fire department, and two other sons in the Explorers program.
In addition to his three sons, Swank is survived by his wife Pamela, two daughters and a granddaughter.
Calling hours will take place Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Snyder Funeral Home in Bellville.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a full procession to Belleville Cemetery. Members of the Jefferson Township-Bellville Fire Department will serve as color guard, and Irvin Hiskey Post #535 American Legion will hold graveside military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jefferson Township-Bellville Fire Department.
http://www.firehouse.com/lodd/2002/oh_mar18.html