FREEPORT, Ill. — A fire captain died Tuesday during a training drill after suffering a heart-related injury.
Eric Kohlbauer, 52, was preparing to train with pumper and tanker equipment when he fell ill; an autopsy performed Wednesday reported he died of a heart-related injury.
Freeport Rural Department Fire Chief Mike Wichman told the Journal Standard that the volunteer captain collapsed when setting up a tanker-related drill. Colleagues on site attempted to help.
“His eyes were open, but he wasn’t communicating,” Wichman said.
An ambulance arrived within minutes and transported Kohlbauer to the hospital, where he died.
“Eric was a hardworking fireman,” Wichman said. “He was a wonderful friend. He was a friend to everybody and always was happy to do whatever he was asked. The guys are going through shock.”
Kohlbauer served the department for 29 years.