Firefighter Dies Training; Health Problems Blamed

John Polimine, 51, died from a stress-induced heart attack on Saturday as he was finishing fire training, officials said.

Polimine was an experienced firefighter from New York and was limited at Scalp Level-Paint Volunteer Fire Department because he had to finish training in Pennsylvania.

Younger volunteer firefighters are hard to come by and Dauntless Fire Company President Ron Springer said a lack of volunteers is causing increasing health problems, especially heart attacks among firefighters.

Polimine's death brings back memories of Roy Westover Jr., 41, who died last year fighting a fire in Clearfield County. Westover also died of a heart attack.

Springer said, "We are pushing the limit at many of our departments as to the age and the physical capabilities of who responds because there just hasn't been an influx of youth."

Funeral services for Polimine are set for Wednesday at Meek Funeral Home in Windber from 2 to 9 p.m. .The funeral will be on Thursday at 11 a.m.