‘Broken heart’: Honor ceremony held for El Paso firefighter who collapsed, dies during training
UPDATE (MAY 2): An honor ceremony was held Saturday for an El Paso Fire Department firefighter who passed away following a training exercise on April 21.
The ceremony was led from the Martin Funeral Home to the Funeraria Del Angel Evergreen East Funeral Home & Cemetery by law enforcement officers and firefighters from these agencies: El Paso Fire Department, Horizon Fire , Sunland Park Fire, West Valley Fire, El Paso Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
The ceremony was attended by family members who were allowed to exit their vehicles. Everyone else had to stay in their vehicles due to social distancing guidelines, according to EPFD spokesman Enrique Aguilar.
The cemetery will open to the public to let anyone who would like their respects. But officials reminded the community that social distancing rules apply and the use of face coverings is mandatory.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
EL PASO, Texas -- An El Paso firefighter has died following a training exercise, officials said late Tuesday night.
"It is with a broken heart that we announce the passing of one of our brothers," read a tweet from the El Paso Fire Department.
The fallen firefighter was identified as Eduardo Ramirez, whom officials said "collapsed after performing physical training at his station."
Condolences poured in from across the city upon word of his death.
"Rest in Peace FST Eduardo Ramirez," tweeted District 7 city Rep. Henry Rivera. "Thank you for your service. Please keep the family and friends of FST Ramirez in your prayers."
No other details were immediately available.
Rest In Peace FST Eduardo Ramirez. Thank you for your service. 🙏
— City Rep. Henry Rivera, District 7 (@EPDistrict7) April 22, 2020
Please keep the family and friends of FST Ramirez in your prayers. #RIP #ThankYou #ElPasoStrong https://t.co/AzVl9NdCAW
