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70-year-old Virginia firefighter dies after rescuing trapped farm animals

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Published  February 16, 2025 8:17pm EST
Virginia
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Steve A. Weikle, 70 (Provided by Boiling Springs Volunteer Fire and Rescue)

The Brief

    • Firefighter Steve Weikle, 70, died after rescuing trapped farm animals in Virginia.
    • He suffered cardiac arrest outside his home within 24 hours of the rescue.
    • Weikle, a 49-year veteran, will receive full fire department honors.

ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. - A 70-year-old Virginia fighter lost his life in the line of duty after rescuing trapped farm animals from a collapsed fire.  

Dig deeper:

Boiling Springs Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in Alleghany County, said Steve A Weikle responded to a structure collapse on February 13. 

Several farm animals were trapped in the collapse.  No other firefighters were injured while removing the animals. 

After the rescue, authorities said Weikle was found in cardiac arrest outside his home. Since his medical incident happened within 24 hours of responding to a call, The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation considers that a line of duty death. 

Weikle was a 49-year veteran firefighter. 

What's next:

The department said Weikle will be laid to rest with full fire department honors this week. 

The Source: The information in this story came from the Boiling Springs Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in Alleghany County, which reported Steve A. Weikle's response to the structure collapse and his passing. 

Virginia