By Ellie Mulder
The Gazette
CIMARRON HILLS, Colo. — A candlelight vigil is planned for a Cimarron Hills paramedic-firefighter who died Saturday in his home following a recent training injury.
Jermaine Frye, 31, had been hospitalized after an on-duty injury, the department said in a Saturday news release. He was released from the hospital Friday evening, but went into cardiac arrest at his home Saturday afternoon.
Wescott Fire Protection District first responders tried unsuccessfully to revive him with CPR, Russ Kane, deputy chief at the Cimarron Hills Fire Department, said Saturday.
Frye’s death is under investigation, the department said in a Monday news release.
His vigil will be held Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Memorial Park. Funeral services are planned for Monday at 11 a.m. at New Life Church, 11025 Voyager Parkway.
From the age of 6, Frye had dreamed of becoming a firefighter, according to the release.
He joined the Colorado Springs Fire Department Explorer program, and while attending Air Academy High School, he volunteered for the Woodmen Valley Volunteer Fire Department, the Falcon Fire Department and the Cimarron Hills Fire Department.
He worked for American Medical Response and the Aurora Fire Department before joining the Cimarron Hills Fire Department in 2015, according to the release.
He assisted with search and rescue during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, and he received a medal of honor and was recognized by President Barack Obama for his role as a first responder during the 2012 theater mass shooting in Aurora, according to the release.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Frye’s fiancée and their unborn child, “small Frye.” As of Monday afternoon, more than $10,000 had been raised.
For additional information about donating, contact the department at 591-0960.
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