By FireRescue1 Staff
VERNON, N.Y. — After a fire police captain unexpectedly died Saturday, colleagues expressed how much he loved his career.
Merle L. Nell, 78, died after going into cardiac arrest while on a mutual aid call, reported the Oneida Dispatch. Nell was managing traffic control near a burning home when he experienced chest pains and collapsed. He was transported to the hospital, where he died.
Nell’s son, Vernon Fire Chief Scott Nell, said his father died “doing what he loved.” Chief Nell said his father — who also served as the department’s chief — had a direct impact on his choice of career.
“I used to come to calls with my dad when I was little,” Chief Nell said. “I spent a lot of time in the firehouse as a kid. It gets in your blood.”
Nell’s other son, Mark, also served the department before joining a different one. Scott and Mark both have sons who are active members of the department.
“That’s three generations of us,” Chief Nell said.
In addition to serving the department, Nell also worked for the post office for more than 30 years and was a U.S. Marine veteran.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday.