ELKHART, Ind. — Elkhart firefighters are mourning the loss of Captain Adam “Pugsley” J. Kuspa, who died on Jan. 6 following complications from a training-related injury.
The United States Fire Administration reported that the incident occurred on Oct. 26, 2024, during a training exercise at a movie theater that was being torn down.
Kuspa had stepped out of the ladder bucket during the exercise and sustained a knee injury. He underwent surgery in December and had been recuperating at home while attending physical therapy.
A blood clot formed in his leg and broke loose on Jan. 6, causing a massive pulmonary embolism. He passed away shortly after.
“He loved being a firefighter,” Elkhart Fire Chief, Rodney Dale told ABC 57. “He was into the technology as things were changing. For lack of a better term, I’ve been in the position of ordering stuff before I was in this position of chief, and he would almost get on my nerves. He would always see something new, and he wanted to try it or give it a shot.”
Kuspa served on the department’s tactical rescue team, water rescue team and Honor Guard. He was promoted to captain just weeks ago.
