Plum Native Firefighter Dies During Training Exercise

PLUM BOROUGH, PA — Kyle Brinker, a Plum native and Kansas City firefighter paramedic, died Tuesday during a training exercise. He was 33.

Brinker suffered a medical emergency during the training, according to Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson. On-site personnel rendered immediate care and he was taken to a nearby hospital, but he was unable to be resuscitated.

Brinker was an 11-year veteran of the Kansas City Fire Department. He spent most of his career at Station 35, one of the busiest stations in the city. Most recently, he was assigned to the technical rescue division.

"Kyle was a dedicated Firefighter Paramedic who operated at the highest level of skill and compassion," Grundyson said in a statement. "He was a mentor and role model for many, exemplifying the qualities KCFD looks for in our uniformed personnel."

Brinker started his career with the Renton Volunteer Fire Department in Plum.

"You always made us proud of your achievements," Anita Maydak-Neace, president of the Renton Volunteer Fire Department, stated on Facebook. "It was an honor to know you."

Brinker's survivors include his wife and brother, who also is a Kansas City firefighter.