A veteran firefighter died while on duty at Florida‘s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Deputies with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office found Steven Lepselter, 54, unresponsive on the ground around 7am on Sunday inside the Palm Garage, just outside the building.
The Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue firefighter and paramedic was transported to Broward Health Medical Center, where he died. His cause of death was not immediately released.
Lepselter leaves behind his wife and their two children.
Just before his death, Lepselter was wrapping up his fire watch at the airport and preparing to head to his shift in Weston, the sheriff’s office said.
‘Firefighter/Paramedic Lepselter proudly served the people of Broward County for 19 years. He began his fire rescue career with BSO’s Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services in January 2007,’ Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said following his death.
‘Throughout his distinguished career, he served in multiple specialized divisions, including the Airport, Seaport, Hazardous Materials (HazMat), Air Rescue and the Training Division.
‘Known for his unwavering dedication, Firefighter/Paramedic Lepselter exemplified service, compassion and professionalism. In his role within the Training Division, he was deeply committed to mentoring and shaping the next generation of firefighter/paramedics.
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue firefighter and paramedic Steven Lepselter, 54, died on Sunday morning while on duty at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Deputies with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office found Lepselter unresponsive on the ground around 7am on Sunday inside the Palm Garage, just outside the airport (pictured)
‘He brought unmatched passion to his work and consistently provided expert care, comfort and reassurance to those during their most significant time of need.’
Tony shared an emotional tribute video to Lepselter as his fellow firefighters and EMTs escorted his body out of the hospital and into the ambulance.
A large American flag was seen draped over him as his colleagues saluted him.
The ambulance was then driven to the medical examiner’s office, escorted by a firetruck and sheriff’s vehicles on the highway.
After arriving at the office, a line of sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and paramedics saluted Lepselter as his body was brought inside.
Before joining the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue team, the devoted first responder worked as a firefighter and paramedic for the New York City Fire Department, according to his Facebook page.
Following the news of his death, a slew of tributes poured in online from his coworkers and friends.
An emotional tribute video showed Lepselter’s fellow firefighters and EMTs escorting his body out of the hospital and into the ambulance after he died
Lepselter leaves behind his wife (pictured together) and their two children
‘Rest in peace, Leppy. Our Brooklyn brother – your stories of the old neighborhoods, “back in the day,” L&B, baseball, fishing… they weren’t just memories, they were pieces of your soul that you shared with all of us,’ one user wrote.
‘Your time here feels far too short, but we take comfort in knowing you didn’t walk through those gates alone,’ they added.
Another friend wrote: ‘I love you Steven Lepselter my brother and I’ll miss you. RIP.’
‘Steven Lepselter FF/PM HM TECH. REST IN PEACE STEVE, you will be missed by all who knew you,’ someone else posted on Facebook.
After arriving at the medical examiner’s office, a line of sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and paramedics saluted Lepselter as his body was brought inside
The devoted first responder (far right) worked as a firefighter and paramedic for the New York City Fire Department, according to his Facebook page
‘God Speed Leppy… See ya on the other side brother! RIP,’ a user shared.
Funeral arrangements for Lepselter are pending.
The Daily Mail contacted the Broward Sheriff’s Office for comment.