03/10/2012

Fireman Dies At Olympic Venue

A Suffolk firefighter has passed-away while on a training exercise.

Alan Soard, 38, from Lowestoft South fire station, was taking part in a training exercise at an Olympics water sports venue in Hertfordshire on Tuesday when he became ill.

Three ambulances and two air ambulances attended the scene at the Lee Valley White Water Centre at Waltham Cross on Tuesday but attempts to resuscitate Mr Soard failed.

Andy Fry, chief fire officer, at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said: "Despite valiant attempts, his firefighter colleagues and paramedics were unable to save his life.

"Of course, our thoughts at this very sad time are with Alan's family and friends and also with his firefighter colleagues who were with Alan at the time he was taken ill.

"Everyone has been stunned by these events. This is a devastating loss for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

"We are a small fire service where people tend to know each other well and Alan had been a firefighter with us for over 11 years."

(GK)

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