The Cowlitz County Fire District is saying goodbye to one of its own after a firefighter/EMT died in the line of duty on Friday.
Fire officials say Al Basso was working with Kalama Fire in the morning hours of November 27 when he responded to two emergency medical calls and was later in a crash, suffering a heart attack.
Basso, 59, was with the Cowlitz County Fire District for 36 years. He leaves behind a wife and a daughter.
“Al Basso was a true pinnacle of the community in every area he touched and he will be missed and remembered by many,” fire district officials said.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation says deaths from a cardiovascular event within 24 hours of responding to a call are considered 'in the line of duty.’