Firefighters know there are risks as they work to save people's homes and lives. However, firefighters do not expect to lose one of their own to unknown causes.
Just A Regular Shift
A young Georgia firefighter died in his sleep near the end of his first 24-hour shift. The firefighter, Efren Medina, had just returned from a medical call earlier that evening.
When they returned to the fire station around 3:30 am, Medina went to sleep. According to the New York Post, when colleagues attempted to wake him up later in the morning, he was unresponsive.
According to St. Mary's Fire Department in southeast Georgia, Medina had passed all of his physical and agility tests.
"Firefighter Medina as a newly hired firefighter and working his first shift. He was known for his longtime passion for firefighting and his love of the fire service."
Department Officials
Finding Answers
The department is currently investigating the cause of Medina's death. However, there were no tell-tale signs leading up to him passing away in his sleep.
Department chief Tom Lackner said, "You never think that somebody 20 years old isn't going to wake up from their sleep."
Lackner reiterated that all of Medina's tests "came back clear." The department and Medina's wife now wait until the medical examiner releases their report.
Community Support
Friends have started a GoFundMe account to help Medina's wife, Brittany Vasquez, pay for funeral costs and give some support during this painful time.
On the page, it says, "Efren was a wonderful brother, son, husband, and friend to all. He was very caring, cheerful, and hardworking. Efren was dedicated to working towards becoming a fireman and selflessly helping others also being an EMT.”
Currently the GoFundMe has raised $10,885 from almost 200 donors.
Overwhelming Assistance
So many people have banded together to help this firefighters widow during this tragic time. From the community to family and friends, Medina's widow has felt so much love and support from all around, a small bit of comfort after losing her firefighter far too soon.
Rest in peace, son.
Efren , may you rest in the Peace , Love and Mercy of God surrounded by all His Angels!
Heartbreaking news. To all his family, blood and chosen, I wish you peace while you learn to live with your loss.
Is there by any chance, that the new fireman may have taken a flu shot? Will they find a blood clot in his brain or heart?
So Sad, Far to young to go for no known reason
So sad. Condolences to his family.
So very sorry for the loss of y'all's beloved Efren. God called him home at such a young age but he gave him his dream come true..he went to sleep a bonafide fireman! And woke up as a bonafide angel.
Everyone are surprise. Just on the 1st day as a young firefighter and gone the same day.
We give Thanks for his Service, his devotion to duty and pray that Almighty God will grant him Peace and Eternal Rest, in the name of Jesus Christ, His Holy Son. Amen We pray for the wife during this extremely difficult time and ask for God's Blessing to watch over and protect her through this time and help heal her heart. We give thanks to "all" who serve and protect and ask for God's Blessing to bring them home safely, to their family, friends and relatives. Amen
Efrin -R.I.P.
So sad, so young. Rest in peace Efren.
Heart felt prayers to family and friends.