Freeport Rural Fire lieutenant dies after medical event at training
By Susan Vela
Staff writer
Posted Jul. 13, 2016 at 2:39 PM
Updated Jul 13, 2016 at 7:16 PM
FREEPORT — Freeport Rural Fire Department Lt. Eric Kohlbauer died Tuesday after an apparent medical emergency arose while he prepared to train with pumper and tank equipment, Fire Chief Mike Wichman said.
Stephenson County Coroner Tom Leamon said an autopsy performed this morning confirmed Kohlbauer died of a heart-related medical problem. Tests are being conducted to determine whether prescription medication or other drugs were in his system.
Kohlbauer, 52, had volunteered 29 years for the rural fire department and was not known to suffer from any medical condition. Wichman said volunteers had set up a portable tank about 7:30 p.m. when Kohlbauer bent and collapsed. Those on site tried to help.
“His eyes were open, but he wasn’t communicating,” Wichman said.
An ambulance arrived within minutes and transported him to FHN Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead “within the hour,” Wichman said.
“Eric was a hardworking fireman,” Wichman said. “He was a wonderful friend. He was a friend to everybody and always was happy to do whatever he was asked. The guys are going through shock.”
Stephenson County Sheriff David Snyders said Kohlbauer had been a maintenance supervisor at the Stephenson County Courthouse since 2003.
“Once you met him, he was your friend — very likable, very hardworking, very dependable,” Snyders said. “I could always depend on Eric to get things done. Every day he came in early and often times he stayed late. If things happened at the courthouse on the weekends, he was there.”
He usually arrived about 90 minutes early for his eight-hour shifts that started at 7 a.m.
“If there was a blizzard, he’d be here clearing the snow,” Snyders said.
It is with great sorrow that we have to announce a Line of Duty Death.
Lieutenant Eric Kohlbauer passed away during training the evening of July 12. Eric was a 30 year member and Lieutenant at our Station 2 location. He will be forever missed by those on the department.
Please keep the Kohlbauer family in your thoughts and prayers.
End of Watch 7/12/16 - Rest easy Brother