DERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A first assistant chief died at his firehouse Saturday night shortly after returning from a call.

First Assistant Chief Alphonse Vincent Germano, Jr., of Derry, Pa., Volunteer Fire Department, had arrived back at the station from responding to an automatic fire alarm when the company was dispatched to a residential fire. 

The 60-year-old stayed behind with a stand-by crew and worked communications, then assisted servicing apparatus when it returned from the house fire. 

Shortly after, fellow firefighters found him in cardiac arrest in the firehouse kitchen. They immediately initiated CPR, and called for paramedics.

Assistant Chief Germano was transported to the hospital but could not be revived.
 
A memorial service is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, 49 North Walnut Street Blairsville, Thursday.