Rhode Island Firefighter Dies During Rescue Operation

Firefighter Suffers MI During Dive Rescue

Tiverton, RI (August 4, 2008) -- WPRI-TV News reports that a Rhode Island firefighter has lost his life in the line-of-duty. Firefighter First Class Gerald R. Leduc, died Sunday night while operating during a water rescue at Stafford Pond.

Emergency Personnel had been summoned to the pond when a civilian boater went missing in about 15 feet of water. Leduc was part of a multi-agency dive-rescue team. While diving, he went into cardiac arrest and rushed to shore, but efforts to revive him proved fruitless.

Chief Robert Lloyd of the Tiverton Fire Department issued a statement to press a little before 10:00 PM Monday evening.

"I'm very saddened for the family of this fallen firefighter," Lloyd said. "The Tiverton Fire Department and the town of Tiverton give our deepest sympathies."

Tiverton's former fire chief, Otis Wyatt praised Leduc.

"Gerald was a sincere and dedicated firefighter. My sympathies to Chief Lloyd and his men, Gerald's wife and family during this tragic event."

Gerald Leduc was a 25 year veteran of the Fire Service and most recently was assigned to Tiverton Station #4. Tiverton Fire Department is a career agency operating with 30 firefighters.

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sources: WPRI News