Canadian firefighter dies in Indianapolis contest

By Vic Ryckaert
The Indianapolis Star

A 45-year-old firefighter from Canada died this morning during an international training competition on the Westside.

The firefighter was part of a team from Burlington, Ontario, competing in the International Extrication Challenge at the Wayne Township Fire Department's training center, said Wayne Township Capt. Troy Wymer.

The firefighter collapsed while his team was competing in the timed event this morning, Wymer said. His name was withheld pending notification of his family.

During the weeklong event, Wymer said fire departments from around the world use the "jaws of life" and various tools to remove victims from simulated car crashes.

"Any time there's a line of duty death our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and members of the department," said Bill Brown, an Indianapolis firefighter and coordinator of Indiana Task Force One.