RANDOLPH COUNTY, IN — An area firefighter who died battling a house fire on Thursday has been identified.
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>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Area firefighter dies after battling house fire
As previously reported on News Center 7, Winchester, Indiana firefighters responded to a house fire in the 200 block of Watson Street Thursday afternoon.
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Firefighter Rick Sanders did not feel well while inside the house and exited the structure, the Winchester Fire Department posted on social media.
They posted part of this statement on its Facebook page:
“Medics quickly tended to Firefighter Sanders and moved him to the ambulance. During their assessment, Firefighter Sanders went into cardiac arrest. Quick and aggressive action was taken to reverse this, and Firefighter Sanders was transported to St Vincent Randolph Hospital where he succumbed to his illness.”
A procession was held on Friday. They left Ball Hospital Friday afternoon to escort their fallen brother back to Winchester, the department said.
“Rick, from your brothers at WFD, we love you, we will miss you, and we thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice for us and for the community around you,” the Winchester Fire Department said. “We thank every department and service that has aided us throughout this process. Rest in peace, 4510, we will carry your legacy with us.”
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office posted a video tribute to Rick Sanders on Facebook.
They added this statement:
“To his colleagues at the department, he was a brother. His impact on the department and his community is unwavering.
Being a part of the first responder community, we at the Sheriff’s Department had the honor of knowing and working with Rick at times.
Rest easy, Rick. Your watch has ended, but your legacy will live on in the lives you helped save, the people you loved, and the Community you faithfully served.
Thank you for your service, your courage, and your love. You will never be forgotten.”
News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.
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