The U.S. Fire Administration confirmed that the April death of North Courtland Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Eddie Harris was a line-of-duty death.
Harris, 47, reported that he was feeling ill while he took part in live fire training on April 20, according to a release from the USFA.
In April, Mayor Riely Evans told the Decatur Daily that Harris suffered an apparent heart attack and was transported to Helen Keller Hospital where he died April 21. “He was a dedicated man who always put his family and community first,” Evans said.
Evans said Harris had been with the department for 30 years and had recently been appointed chief.
Harris retired from the state highway department worker in 2013 after suffering a heart attack, according to family.