By EMS1 Staff

Photo courtesy of the West County EMS & Fire Protection District Paramedic-Firefighter Louis Berra

WEST COUNTY, Mo. — Paramedic/firefighter Louis Berra died while on duty Friday after being found in his bed during a shift change.

Berra, 48, was an avid runner and routinely awoke early in the morning to go for a jog. Department crewmates checked his room when they noticed he wasn't awake and found him collapsed on his bed. According to sources, no cause of death has been determined. 

Berra served the West County EMS & Fire Protection District for 11 years and was also active with the Frontenac FD for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and two teenaged children.

Visitation was held Sunday, January 20. A Full Firefighter Honor Funeral Services is scheduled for Monday, January 21, 2008 at St. Monica's Catholic Church at 10 a.m., 12136 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141. A procession will follow to the burial site at Resurrection Cemetery.