Firefighter Lester T. Sorgen

While off duty and working at his side business in the parking lot of a local restaurant, Firefighter Sorgen was called upon to assist an individual who had collapsed after leaving the restaurant. A restaurant employee and the owner witnessed the collapse, recognized Firefighter Sorgen as a first responder, and called for his assistance. This occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Firefighter Sorgen immediately ran to the individual, assessed him for a pulse and breathing, and began CPR. After a period of resuscitative efforts, the individual regained consciousness and was transported to a nearby hospital.

At home a few hours later, Firefighter Sorgen told his wife that he was not feeling well. He canceled plans for that evening and went to bed early.

Shortly after 1:00 a.m., his wife found him in cardiac arrest. She summoned emergency assistance and immediately began CPR. Firefighter Sorgen was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died.