A firefighter who died in his sleep after a shift with Spokane County Fire District 8 last year was honored during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Sunday in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Charles Douglas Archer was among the 75 firefighters who died in 2016 and 20 firefighters who died in previous years to be honored during Sunday morning’s memorial service. Thousands were expected to attended the service including family and friends of fallen firefighters, members of Congress and other dignitaries.
Archer died in his sleep at the age of 49 after responding to multiple emergency calls with his department. The cause of his death was cardiac-related.
His 30 years in the fire service included being a firefighter/emergency medical technician, crew boss, engine boss, fire investigator, public education specialist, and field observer.