Firefighters in a N.C. fire department are mourning the loss of a veteran. James R. Varnell, 53, fell ill as he was leaving a training drill at Bakertown Vol. Fire Co. on Tuesday night. Fellow firefighters came to his aid, and provided basic care until medics arrived. Varnell was taken to a local hospital where he died. An autopsy will determine the cause of death. He has more than 20 years in the fire service. This brings to eight the number of firefighters to die on duty so far this year.