A potential D.C. fire department recruit died Monday, less than 24 hours after suffering unexplained breathing problems while trying out for a spot on the District’s squad.
Eric Allen, 23, of Temple Hills, Md., was undergoing physical tests to determine whether he would qualify for a place with D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, said Alan Etter, fire department spokesman.
At about 10 a.m. Sunday, Allen experienced trouble breathing after completing a stair-climbing exercise at the department’s training academy in Southwest, Etter said.
He was examined by a paramedic and transported to Greater Southeast Community Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was moved by helicopter to Washington Hospital Center where he died at 8:30 a.m. Monday.
“We’re very shocked and of course saddened by what happened,” Etter said.
In a statement, Fire Chief Dennis Rubin delivered his condolences and offered the department’s assistance to the family.
“It’s tragic,” said D.C. Council Member Phil Mendelson, chair of the public safety committee. “I think it’s important that the fire department puts its recruits through the physical fitness test, but nobody wants this outcome.”
The investigation is being led by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Etter would not speculate on the cause of death.
The high temperature in Washington Sunday was 72 degrees.
“This certainly has never happened before in our department, at least since I’ve been here,” Etter said.
