CHIEF BILLY GOLDFEDER
The Secret List/Firefighter Close Calls

It is with sincere regret that we advise you that Firefighter Ramon E. Hain, age 50 (IAFF Local 21-St Paul Fire) passed away in the Line of Duty last Saturday, November 14, 2009 from heart disease. A memorial service is being held this afternoon, 1600 hours at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Roseville, Minnesota.

In 1997, Firefighter Hain responded to a cardiac arrest call during which he knelt down over the patient and came in contact with body fluids on the floor. The Firefighter had a sore on his own knee at the time, and a few days later he developed some kind of massive infection in the thigh of that same leg.

Firefighter Hain was diagnosed with idiopathic cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle from unknown causes so he was put on the transplant list and received a new heart Nov. 30, 1998. Doctors indicate his condition was due to his exposure to the bodily fluids on that run. He then became a stay at home Dad to be with his family as he was told he had a life expectancy of 10 years.

Tragically, he lost his life last Saturday. Expressions of sympathy or condolences can be sent to Local 21 at 411 Main Street, Suite 316, Saint Paul, MN 55102-1031. As always, our sincere condolences to all affected.

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