By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Fort Myers Fire Department announced that a firefighter recruit died on July 11 after completing his physical assessment and evaluation.
Fire Chief Tracy McMillion said the department is experiencing “heavy hearts” over the loss of Nathaniel Lee Wilcox, 22, from Cutler Bay, FOX4 reported.
The department plans to make Wilcox an honorary firefighter.
McMillion said Wilcox had medical complications during the physical assessment evaluation and said he was not feeling well but showed no signs of heat exhaustion, WINK reported.
An investigation has begun on the cause of Wilcox’s death. His family is awaiting the results of an autopsy.
Trending
Conquer stressful calls, identify treatment challenges and pitfalls, and use technology to its best potential to save lives this summer and beyond
The Bangor Fire Department’s EMS-only pilot program is aimed at handling a rising EMS call volume while keeping firefighters available for fire responses
About 7% of Minneapolis firefighters are on PTSD leave while officials grapple with rising mental health and workers’ compensation costs
The settlement tied to Jason Arno’s 2023 line-of-duty death is the largest involving the Buffalo Fire Department and follows a report citing missed mayday calls, poor accountability and equipment issues