FDNY Firefighter Collapses, Dies During Training

A New York City firefighter that collapsed during a training exercise on Monday has died.

Jamel M. Sears, 33, collapsed at the department's training academy during an evolution at 11:30 a.m., according to an FDNY statement. Firefighters on the scene attempted to revive Sears, and he was transported to the Mt. Sinai Medical Center, where he died Tuesday.

The statement said Sears collapsed after "successfully completing an 18-minute training exercise where he donned full firefighting gear and performed a series of tasks and functional skills."

Sears was appointed to the department on July 1 and was going through the 23-week probationary firefighter training program.

A lifelong resident of The Bronx, he served with the U.S. Navy from 1995 through 1999 and he was assigned to the USS Alaska.

Sears leaves behind a wife, who is a New York City police officer and two children, ages eight and 12.

Stay tuned to Firehouse.com as more information becomes available.

Funeral Arrangements

Visitation for firefighter Sears will be held Monday, Nov. 17 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Unity Funeral Chapel, 2352 8th Avenue, New York, N.Y.

Funeral will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. at Bethel Gospel Assembly 2 East 120 Street New York, N.Y.