| Name | Eric Kohlbauer |
| Agency | Freeport Rural Fire Protection District |
| Rank | Captain |
| Type of Firefighter | Volunteer |
| Age Range | 51 to 55 |
| Sex | Male |
| Date of Birth | 0/0/0 |
| Date of Death | 7/12/2016 |
| Cause of Death | Stress/Overexertion |
| Nature of Death | |
| Attribute of Death | [not applicable] |
| Type of Duty | Training duties |
| Incident Name | N/A |
| Incident City | Freeport |
| Incident State | IL |
| Incident Date | 7/12/2016 19:30 |
| Incident Location | Training ground |
| Incident Attribute | Training accidents |
On July 12, 2016, Captain Eric Kohlbauer of the Freeport Rural Fire Protection District died in the line of duty during a training exercise.
While preparing for a pumper relay drill, Kohlbauer collapsed and fell forward into the dump tank. His crew immediately pulled him out and administered first aid in an effort to revive him. He was rushed to the FHN Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead of a reported aortic rupture.
Kohlbauer had served as a volunteer firefighter for the Freeport Rural Fire Protection District for nearly 30 years and had recently been promoted to Captain. Kohlbauer was employed by the Stephenson County Sheriff Department and Stewart Security. Funeral services were held on July 18th at Zion Church in Freeport, IL. He was survived by his widow, two sons, his mother, two brothers, and two sisters.
Citations:
Susan Vela, “Freeport Rural Fire Department rebuilding after three deaths,” JournalStandard.com, August 12, 2016.
Eric Kohlbauer, Obituary, Legacy.com, July 15, 2016.
“Firefighter fatality report for Eric Kohlbauer,” U.S. Fire Administration.
“IL Capt. collapses at drill, dies,” Firehouse.com, July 15, 2016.
Susan Vela, “Freeport Rural Fire lieutenant dies after medical event at training,” rrstar.com, July 13, 2016.