(Tribune News Service) — A firefighter and former Navy SEAL died from a medical emergency during a training exercise.
Brandon Norbury, a veteran firefighter with the Gresham Fire Department, went into cardiac arrest while on duty Friday, Feb. 3, the city of Gresham announced in a news alert.
Despite medical aid, Norbury died, the city said.
“The City of Gresham is greatly appreciative of his service,” the city said. “But more than that, our hearts go out to the family and friends as we mourn this tragic loss.”
Norbury last worked at “Station 31 in Rockwood where he proudly served the community,” the Gresham Fire Department said on Facebook.
In addition to working for the fire department for 15 years and being in the U.S. Navy for eight years, Norbury was a member of the Gresham Police Department for seven years, the fire department said.
“In all those jobs, Brandon showed up every day to the duty to help and protect us all no matter what,” Mike McKeel, director of Multnomah Rural Fire Protection District 10, said on Facebook. “We had no better friend than Brandon Norbury.”
Another friend took to Facebook to share his tribute.
“I hope they have beer in heaven, buddy,” the friend wrote. “The world lost another great human being.”
Norbury was also co-owner of the sports pub Mt. Angel Public House, according to the Mt. Angel Fire District.
“This news has obviously shaken us here at the Public House. We thank everyone that has reached out with thoughts and prayers,” the pub wrote on Facebook.
A procession was held in Norbury’s honor Sunday, Feb. 5, according to the city.
Photos from the fire department show vehicles lining a freeway while two firetrucks parked on top of a bridge hoist a large United States flag above the procession.
Gresham is about 15 miles east of Portland.
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