GIRARD, Pa. — A 17-year-old Pennsylvania junior firefighter died after his e-bike collided with a vehicle while he was responding to an emergency call.
The Dobler Hose & Ladder Company in Girard identified the teenager as Junior Firefighter Bryce Kaufmann. The department remembered him as a dedicated junior firefighter with a strong commitment to helping others.
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Police said Kaufmann was riding south on Culbertson Drive when he failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with the front passenger side of a sedan, according to YourErie.com. The impact ejected him from the e-bike.
Kaufmann died from his injuries on Sept. 21.
“Bryce, a dedicated junior member of our company, exemplified the commitment and spirit of public service that defines the fire service. Even at a young age, he demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm, responsibility, and a sincere desire to help others. His loss is felt profoundly throughout our organization, the Girard community, and by all who knew him,” the department said in a statement.
There was no report on whether or not Kaufmann was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and the nature of the call he was responding to.