TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) -- A firefighter in northwest Ohio has died while on duty.
Toledo Fire Battalion Chief Mark Klein says the firefighter, who also worked as a paramedic, died Friday afternoon.
Authorities have not released the firefighter's name or the cause of death. Fire officials are planning to release more details at a news conference on Saturday.
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Article published March 01, 2009
Toledo firefighter dies on duty at No. 14 station house
A 25-year veteran Toledo firefighter and paramedic died Friday afternoon while on duty at one of the department's stations, Chief Michael Wolever said yesterday.
Michael J. Darrington, 45, was found dead in the crew's quarters on the second floor of No. 14 station after failing to respond to an emergency call, the chief said.
The cause of his death is under investigation.
The chief said that firefighters working with Mr. Darrington on Friday said he had expressed "feeling ill" after the unit's last emergency run.
"When Mike failed to turn out for [a fire call], crew members found him unresponsive and immediately alerted the fire dispatch center that they needed assistance," Chief Wolever said in a statement.
"Efforts by his fellow firefighters to revive him, as well as those of the department's medical director, were unsuccessful."
Mr. Darrington was hired on May 11, 1984, and became a paramedic on April 4, 1994. He is survived by his wife, Tracey, and two daughters. Funeral arrangements are pending.
It is a sad thing . I was born in Toledo raised in Findlay and Have a spot in my heart for ALL Emergency service workers.
This is a very sad thing for me. Being from the city of Toledo, Ohio I respect the fire and ems and police personal on the city. As I am in Iraq and serving the country, they are there keeping my family safe. My prayers and thoughts go out to the Toledo Fire Department and the Darrington family through these hard times. You will not be forgotten brother and I know your family will be taken care of by the great city of Toledo Fire Department.
This is a very sad thing for me. Being from the city of Toledo, Ohio I respect the fire and ems and police personal on the city. As I am in Iraq and serving the country, they are there keeping my family safe. My prayers and thoughts go out to the Toledo Fire Department and the Darrington family through these hard times. You will not be forgotten brother and I know your family will be taken care of by the great city of Toledo Fire Department.