Stations Remember Baltimore County Firefighter Who Died During Training
WESTMINSTER, Md. (WJZ) -- We're learning more about the firefighter who collapsed and died during a Baltimore County training exercise. Robert Fogle also volunteered in Westminster.
Monique Griego talked to his fellow firefighters.
The trucks are still running, but things behind the wheel will never be quite the same at the Pleasant Valley Community Fire Department in Westminster. This week, the tight-knit group lost ones of their own.
"It's very different. We're going to really miss him," said Chief Michael Gist, Pleasant Valley Community Fire Department.
Robert Fogle, 58, volunteered as a firefighter near his home in Westminster, but was also a Baltimore County firefighter. He died Friday after suffering a suspected heart attack during a routine training exercise at the Fire Rescue Academy in Sparrows Point.
Baltimore County department leaders say he collapsed inside a trailer called "the maze," which tests first responders' ability to use their breathing apparatus.
"We're devastated here. We're truly going to miss Bob," said Stephen Wantz, President, Pleasant Valley Community Fire Department.
Wantz met Fogle more than 30 years ago, when the two were just starting off their careers.
"We're going to miss his laughter. We're going to miss the arguments he had with us, which we loved. And we're going to miss just his presence here," said Wantz.
During his career, Fogle also served as an instructor, inspiring thousands of up-and-coming firefighters over the years.
"Brought them in to being firefighters and EMTs and learned how to serve the community. That's what he was good at," said Charles Simpson, Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services.
Fogle was a truck driver for Station 2 in Baltimore County. There, his crew lives with an example of one of Fogle's many talents--a table he made and dedicated to them. It's a constant reminder of the great man and great firefighter both stations lost.
"He was always jovial. He would tell you jokes. He just fit in with everybody," said Gist.
Fogle's funeral will be held next Thursday in Westminster.
Fogle is survived by his wife and his two grown children.
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