Lincoln County Firefighter Dies During Exercise
Third Firefighter Death in Less Than Two Months
LINCOLN COUNTY, NC — A third firefighter has died in less than two months in Lincoln and Mecklenburg Counties.
Investigators say Joshua Warren just finished working a medical emergency call for Alexis Fie Department when he suffered a medical emergency of his own.
“He loved the fire service and everything it stood for,” said Lt. Robert Drew with Alexis Fire Department.
Investigators say Warren was jogging around the track at East Lincoln Middle School for exercise when he collapsed Thursday before 11 in the morning.
“He was passionate about being in shape for this job, and he did run. He was a runner,” said Lt. Drew.
In the first day of the investigation, the Lincoln County Emergency Management hadn’t sorted out if Warren was alone while working out or who called 911.
Public Information Officer Dion Burleson says paramedics tried to resuscitate him on the track. That continued at the hospital where Warren died.
WCCB Charlotte asked if Warren had gone through a health screening for the job.
“Some fire department s do conduct physical assessments, and some do not,” said Burelson. “As far as Mr. Warren and what physicals have been done will be part of the investigation process.”
While volunteering for Alexis and Lucia-Riverbend Fire Departments, Warren spent the past three years at East Lincoln Fire Department.
That’s where Capt. Ben Reagan last saw Warren one day ago.
“Outstanding person in the community. [You] couldn’t as for better,” said Capt Reagan.
He was a father of two: eight-year-old Kelsey and four-year-old Max.
“This is a time of grieving that we’ve had to do far too many times in this community,” said Burleson.
Warren is the third firefighter to die in the line fo duty in the area since April 30.
Bradley Long drowned while recovering a victim in Lake Norman June 6. He worked with Sherills Ford Fire and Rescue.
Richard Sheltra died in a fire April 30. He worked with the Pineville Fire Department.
“Mr. Warren was a dedicated firefighter a pivotal part of every department he was with,” said Burelson. “He will be missed.”
Counselors are available for family and firefighters as they plan the funeral services.
