Lieutenant Estill B. Rickerson

Lt. Rickerson, age 40, suffered a heart attack after physically exerting himself during the Lexington Fire Department's annual Fire Prevention Parade. He had dressed up as a gorilla and walked/jogged the entire parade route in an attempt to help children learn about fire safety. Shortly after finishing the parade, Lt. Rickerson complained of not feeling well but still returned to duty at his fire station. While watching Engine Co. #9 back into the station, he collapsed and died despite efforts by nearby firefighters who witnessed the collapse.