By Abby Zeugner
The News & Observer
MOORE COUNTY, N.C. — An EMS official from Moore County died over the weekend after a training session.
The Moore County Public Safety Facebook page announced Maj. Tommy McNeill’s death on Saturday.
McNeill had what officials called a “serious medical event” while leading a wilderness search and rescue training session for the Vander Fire Department in Cumberland County, according to WRAL.
He was transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where he died, the television station reported.
McNeill was a paramedic for almost 30 years, after graduating from Guilford Technical Community College in 1989, according to his Facebook page. He was made an EMS major in 2009 in Moore County.
On its Facebook page, the Moore County Sheriff’s Office said McNeill was “a professional” and “a selfless servant.”
“As a family, the Moore County Sheriff’s Office mourns alongside our First Responders and stands by you during this difficult time,” the post says.
Todd Brown, an administrator for the NC Search and Rescue Facebook page, announced McNeill’s death to the group on Saturday.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we pass along word that we have lost one of our greatest leaders in Rescue and EMS,” Brown wrote. “Tommy lived his life in devotion to helping others, he gave his heart to rescue and his family, but his soul belonged to God. Rest In Peace Chief and thanks for everything, we’ll take it from here.”
McNeill co-owned Mancos and McNeill, a fire and emergency response training company, with Joe Mancos. Mancos told WNCN he believes McNeill suffered a heart problem.
Mancos paid tribute to McNeill on his personal Facebook page with photos and a statement.
“Tommy was not only my best friend in the world, but also my mentor, and my sounding board,” Mancos wrote. “He was my road trip buddy, my comic relief when I needed it most. He was my business partner, and my partner in crime.
“I refuse to say goodbye to my best friend, so I will say what folks in our line of work say after a big call or a good class. ‘See ya on the next one Brother.’”
Copyright 2018 The News & Observer