Posted at 5:21 p.m.
At the John R. Keppler Jr. Fire Training Center on Justice Lane in Bunnell, a 40-year-old man passed away this morning while undergoing evaluation for recruiting as a Flagler County Fire Rescue firefighter.
According to Bunnell City Manager Alvin Jackson and Flagler County Fire Chief Michael Tucker, the event happened at ten this morning. The individual was one of seven trainees in the group. When the police arrived, it was 12:30 p.m.
The individual was recognized by Bunnell Police Chief Dave Brannon as Ormond Beach resident Fendrick Gabaud. He was looking for work locally as a firefighter/EMT after just graduating from fire school. According to a Bunnell announcement this afternoon, he had no previous firefighting experience and was considered to be in good health.
Tucker explained that we were conducting a new recruit assessment. They must have a physical examination, which is a routine physical examination.
Since the Bunnell Police Department was still actively investigating the incident, Tucker initially did not provide an explanation of the medical crisis that resulted in the potential recruit’s death.We are collaborating with the state fire marshal’s office as well as the Bunnell Police Department. Tucker stated, “We’re giving as much information as we can.” It goes without saying that we are all saddened by this. It goes without saying that the family is in our prayers and thoughts.
Tucker and training personnel informed Bunnell police that Gabaud had passed the necessary physical agility test, which involved dragging a 150-pound dummy, or mannequin, advancing charged hose lines, spraying targets, climbing three stories of stairs while carrying firefighting equipment, and using hose lifts. He completed the scene well inside the allocated time, according to others. At the time, the weather was warm; according to AccuWeather, the temperature in Bunnell was 85 degrees at 10:00 a.m.
According to Brannon’s interview, he was sitting on a bench and taking off the equipment he had to wear when the incident occurred. Gabaud was dressed in steel-toed boots, shorts, which were permitted, an abunker coat, and a helmet.
According to Brannon, he complained of having trouble breathing and felt ill, so they sent an ambulance that was already there to help him. Two paramedics were on board, and they started evaluating his condition when he passed out and stopped responding. They started life-saving measures right away and simultaneously took him to the hospital.
On State Road 100, at AdventHealth Palm Coast South, Fendrick Gabaud was declared dead. For the autopsy that would establish the cause of death, his body was brought to the St. Augustine office of the Medical Examiner.
We don’t think there was an accident or that there was foul play, but we have to wait for the medical examiner to make that conclusion before we can wrap up our investigation, Brannon stated.
Officials and public safety organizations from the county and city came together to support the county fire department and offer their sympathies to the family. “This tragic loss has devastated us,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. Flagler County sends its sincerest sympathies to his family, particularly to his wife and two small children. They are in our prayers and thoughts during this trying time.
Jackson was particularly aware of the occurrence because it was reminiscent of a nearly comparable tragedy that occurred in November 2021 when Sgt. Dominic Guida of the Bunnell Police Department passed away at the same institution while undergoing training.
Regarding today’s event, Jackson stated, “We’re saddened by what occurred, but I don’t know the gentleman.” We had Sgt. Guida, who essentially died there as well, so it’s like deja vu. Our hearts are with the family, and not only will I be praying for them, but the entire city and community will as well.
Potential recruits are subjected to varying training programs by various agencies. However, the combat challenge and the candidate physical agility exam are two common training techniques in certain situations. A prospective recruit in full firefighting gear is required to perform tasks like carrying a 50-foot hose section up four stories, setting it down, hoisting another 50-foot hose section to the fourth floor, taking the first section back down the stairs, and then simulating a forcible entry after repeatedly hammering an entry point with a sledge hammer. After that, the prospective recruit has to drag a 175-pound dummy 100 feet and pull a charge hose 100 feet.
A standard timed test, the candidate physical agility test (CPAT) consists of eight activities: climbing stairs, dragging a hose, carrying equipment, forcing entry into an area, search and rescue, ceiling breach, and pulling. All of the tasks are performed in full gear or with weighted vests.
This morning’s training was held in the Keppler facility, which was named for the sonliest firefighter fatalities in Flagler County’s history. Usually, the public safety organization that administers the exam will either have the individuals undergoing training have their vital signs checked or designate a person to perform the testing both before and after the exercises, particularly if the participants are firemen or those aspiring to become firefighters.
According to the announcement, Brannon said, “Our hearts go out to the family of this young man whose life was tragically cut short, as well as to the men and women of Flagler County Fire Rescue who stood beside him during his final moments.” This serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers that people who want to work in public safety must deal with. I want to express my sincere condolences to his family and our fellow firefighters on behalf of the Bunnell Police Department.
