Firefighter falls from helicopter to his death

GEORGETOWN, Del. — A firefighter died after falling from a helicopter during a training exercise, authorities said.
The incident occurred Monday night while a Delaware State Police aviation unit was conducting monthly training with the Delaware Air Rescue Team at the Delaware Coastal Airport here. The name of the firefighter, a 46-year-old man from the Lewes, Del., area, was not released pending notification of family.
"Two volunteer firemen along with a pilot and a trooper medic were on board the helicopter," said a Delaware State Police spokesman, Sgt. Richard Bratz. "As one of the firefighters stepped out onto the skid, at an undetermined height, he fell to the grassy area below the helicopter. At that point, the helicopter immediately landed, and the trooper medic and volunteer firefighter on board immediately responded and began medical assistance.”
Other firefighters rushed to the scene and assisted, Bratz said. The firefighter was transported to Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, where he was pronounced dead.
No one else at the scene received medical attention. The investigation is in the early stages, and the Federal Aviation Administration will receive assistance from state police, Bratz said.
The Lewes Fire Department posted on Facebook that a member of its community had died, but when reached by phone officials would not immediately confirm the incidents were related.
"It is with deep, deep regret that the officers and members of the Lewes Fire Department announce the passing of one of our own earlier today. Further details on remembrance services are to follow," the post read.
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