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February 27, 2013

Firefighter dies while responding to fire

The 22-year-old apparently suffered a heart attack while on his way to the scene

By FireRescue1 Staff

MATTAWAN, Mich. — A Mich. firefighter died Tuesday night after falling ill while responding to a fire.

Mattawan Firefighter Nate Fruin,22, was in full cardiac arrest by the time first responders reached his vehicles, just a quarter mile from the station, according to Mlive.

Firefighter Fruin was with another firefighter on their way to bring water and refreshments to firefighters battling a blaze when Firefighter Fruin's partner called to report a medical emergency.

Efforts to revive Firefighter Fruin were unsuccessful and he later died at the hospital.

Firefighter Fruin joined the department in 2009 after he graduated high school and was well-liked by his brothers and sisters as well as her former classmates.

"He was a very caring person," Captain Scott Brooks said.

According to Chief Terron McLean, Firefighter Fruin had no history of heart problems and was a "healthy kid."

Firefighter Fruin's death will be classified as being in the line-of-duty.

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Harold Lowe Wednesday, February 27, 2013 3:53:16 PM RIP Brother

Scott Wilson Wednesday, February 27, 2013 3:56:06 PM RIP

Michael StillWhodat Frey Wednesday, February 27, 2013 3:58:06 PM RIP Bro. Too young.

Rick Marian de Gruyl Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:00:17 PM So Sad, May God be with his family and fellow firefighters.

Brian Marihugh Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:02:30 PM RIP Brother way to young.

Christopher S. Thompson Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:07:48 PM Rest In Peace Nate...... Sorry for your loss Chief Terron and the rest of your department......

Chris Danroth Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:08:02 PM R.I.P brother, Gone but never forgotten. God be with is family, friends and fellow firefighters.

Ronnie Cordero Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:09:08 PM RIP Brother

John Connolly Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:16:39 PM Sad so sad - but he was doing what he wanted to do.

Mary Crane Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:18:49 PM That's so sad, such a young man. My prayers to his family.

Edward Chip Anschutz Wed Feb 27 19:11:45 PST 2013 Heartbreaking. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and fellow fire fighters. (Cindy on Chip's FB;)

Larry Hull Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:21:01 PM RIP brother

Scott Brown Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:22:10 PM Rest In Peace Brother, God speed on your way home. You will be missed.

Joe Miller Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:27:28 PM R.I.P Brother

Jerry Kirsch Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:35:50 PM My sympathy to Firefighter Fruin's family and the Mattawan Fire Dept.

Donna Hoad Ford Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:36:57 PM My prayers for your brothers and sisters and your family.

Jay Elvers Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:40:48 PM To young to be called to the "firehouse in the sky". R. I. P.

Tom Kelly Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:42:46 PM How tragic. RIP young man your duties are done.

Duane Roddy Wednesday, February 27, 2013 4:47:49 PM Rest In Peace Nate...... Sorry for your loss Chief Terron and the rest of your departmen.

Gina Palazzolo-Slayton Wed Feb 27 16:55:45 PST 2013 amen, he was so young....praying for your family Nate.

Scott Medd Wednesday, February 27, 2013 5:21:18 PM Rest In Peace Firefigher Fruin. We have the watch.

Mark Wilson Wednesday, February 27, 2013 5:43:37 PM from one firefighter to another R.I.P brother our prays and thoughts are with you and your family and the department.

Charles Morrow Wednesday, February 27, 2013 6:48:22 PM RIP Brother, God Bless you and your family.

Randy Pounds Wednesday, February 27, 2013 6:53:19 PM R.I.P.

Joshua Rae Wednesday, February 27, 2013 6:59:22 PM These cardiac-related medical issues kill way too many of us. RIP brother, and condolences to your department and your family.