ORANGE, Ohio (WJW) — The Orange Village Fire Department mourns the death of one of its own.
Firefighter John J. Prochazka died unexpectedly, according to a Monday Facebook post by the department. He was 59.
It is with a heavy heart that the men and women of the Orange Village Fire Department announce the unexpected passing of Firefighter John Prochazka. Please keep John and his family in your prayers.
Orange Village Fire Department
The department expects to announce details later, “as they become available.”
“John was the first person met I when I entered the fire service,” one Facebook user responded. “From the day I met him to the last time I saw him on Saturday, he would give you the shirt off his back and help you in any way he could. So many memories. You will be missed.”
Prochazka died Sunday at his home, which is near the fire department, according to Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner and county property records.
The office later Monday ruled Prochazka’s death was natural, caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis is a hardening of the arteries caused by plaque buildup, according to the Cleveland Clinic.