Georgia Responder Collapses, Dies

A Georgia responder collapsed Saturday while assisting on a medical call.

Gary D. Street, 60, was stricken after moving a fire department vehicle at the scene of an injured person, according to Chief J.J. McClure, of the East Lake Sinclair Vol. Fire Department.

"He moved the squad so the ambulance could get to the patient, who had fallen off a ladder," McClure said.

Members, who noticed Street didn't reappear after he moved the vehicle, found him unresponsive, and started administering care, McClure said.

A second ambulance was dispatched for the injured person, while the first crew transported Street to Oconee Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

"He was my fishing buddy. He was like a brother," the chief said, adding that Street set up the fire company's Web site. "He was a good person."

McClure said this is the department's first line-of-duty death.

Funeral arrangements have not been made yet.

EMSResponder.com will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.