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LODD: Ind. assistant chief dies while getting ready to respond to fire

A Ridgeville volunteer firefighter died from an apparent medical event while preparing to respond to a mobile home fire

RIDGEVILLE, Ind. — The Ridgeville Volunteer Fire Department is mourning the loss of Assistant Fire Chief Donald “Hev” Caylor, who died after an apparent medical event while preparing to respond to a mobile home fire on March 8.

Caylor, 61, had dedicated over 40 years to firefighting, serving with multiple departments throughout his career, WTHR reported.

WISH reported the department believes Caylor died of a heart attack after he was found on the floor while gearing up to go to the fire.

The Randolph County Coroner’s Office reported that Caylor’s exact cause and nature of death will be determined by an autopsy at a later date.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.