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
A garbage truck struck a tractor-trailer, killing the driver and sending three others to the hospital during a response that included extended extrication and the use of whole blood
Firefighter/EMTs with Sky Valley Fire administered CPR, oxygen therapy and naloxone to revive six dogs in critical condition
Fire Chief Jaime Moore said he is focused on future improvements, not assigning blame, after acknowledging that the official after-action report downplayed leadership failures
The awards honor volunteers whose achievements in the fire service and community exemplify outstanding performance