By Associated Press - Saturday, May 14, 2016

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin is asking that flags be flown at half-staff for a firefighter from the town of Georgia who suffered a fatal heart attack while fighting a brush fire.

Steven Lapierre was fighting the fire April 27 when he collapsed. He died the following week. WCAX-VT reports that the 58-year-old Lapierre had been a firefighter for 40 years, working in St. Albans City before he retired.

Colleagues said he loved being a firefighter, especially teaching younger colleagues about skills and equipment.

Shumlin’s office says flags will be at half-staff Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The governor says Vermonters owe thanks to Lapierre and all his fellow first responders.

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