BURLINGTON, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—U.S. and state flags were lowered to half-staff in Connecticut Thursday to honor a Burlington firefighter who died after suffering a serious illness while responding to a fire in New Hartford.
Burlington firefighter and EMT Colin McFadden died Thursday morning, according to officials.
Fellow Burlington firefighters remember McFadden as a man who cared about the people and who was always engaged with the community.
"A firefighter I never met but a firefighter I know too well - committed to service, dedicated to community and loved by family and friends," Norfolk Public Information Officer Jon Barbagallo said.
Governor Ned Lamont offered his deepest sympathies to McFadden's family, friends and fellow firefighters in a written statement. "This is a terrible reminder," he said, "of the dangers that firefighters put themselves in each time they respond to an emergency."
McFadden was battling an illness that suddenly befell him Tuesday morning when responding to a devastating fire at the New Hartford House.
McFadden was given immediate medical care when it happened and was transported to John Dempsey Hospital, the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department said in a statement.
He was in critical condition and had to undergo emergency surgery, officials said.
"During his care and treatment, McFadden's medical team discovered a previously undiagnosed medical condition that caused this sudden illness," officials said in the statement.
Governor Ned Lamont has not yet determined when flags should be returned to full staff.
McFadden's family and the Burlington Fire Department felt overwhelmed and grateful for the outpouring support, officials said.