TACOMA, Wash. — The Tacoma Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its firefighters who died in the line of duty Tuesday.
KING5.com reported that 12-year veteran firefighter Albert Nejmeh, 59, was on scene of an aid call when he suffered an apparent heart attack.
After he collapsed, he received immediate basic and advanced life support from his fellow firefighters, who then transported him to the hospital, according the report.
“Al was a wonderful man, he was unique, he lived a deliberate, genuine, and authentic life and we are going to miss him,” said Fire Chief Jim Duggan.
Chief Duggan said this is the department’s first line of duty death since 1988, and many of Nejmeh’s friends are struggling with the loss, according to the report.
Tom Haneline was a battalion chief when Nejmeh started with Tacoma Fire in 2001, according to the report.
“He’s a brother,” said Haneline. “You don’t meet people like that, maybe once in your life. It’ll never be the same now that he is gone.”
Details regarding the memorial service will be announced at a later date, according to the report.