Lt. Rick H. Borkin, a 16-year veteran of the Thiensville Volunteer Fire Department, died in the line of duty December 8 after experiencing respiratory problems during a training exercise at the Milwaukee Area Technical College campus in Oak Creek, Ozaukee County Coroner John Holicek said this morning.
"He had a history of respiratory problems but wanted to participate in the exercise anyway," Holicek said.
Thiensville Fire Chief Brian Reiels said Borkin, 42, had been sick for about a week before attending the Firefighter II certification training.
Borkin was one of three Thiensville firefighters who attended the training, Reiels said.
During a physically challenging part of the training, "he indicated he wasn't feeling real well and sat down" and collapsed soon afterward, Reiels said.
Borkin was immediately attended by Oak Creek paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene about 8:30 p.m. An autopsy was scheduled to be performed today.
Borkin was promoted in May to training officer, Reiels said.
"He was just a fantastic guy and absolutely committed to the department," Reiels said. "He was one of my best friends."
Borkin was employed by Infinity Telecommunications in Bayside and is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and a 13-year-old son, Reiels said.