West Michigan Fire Fighter Dies During Sandy Relief in New York

A fire fighter with the City of Otsego has died while helping with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts on the east coast. Captain Steve Stevenson passed away Sunday in New York.

According to Stevenson’s wife’s Facebook page, he was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm. His wife went on to explain that Stevenson was at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset New York.

She wrote that Stevenson was going to be sedated for two or three days, that his heart and kidneys were functioning well, and that the surgeon expected to keep him in the hospital for at least two weeks, followed by three to four weeks of rehab.

But a little later, the Otsego Fire Department posted this statement:

“Otsego Fire lost a great Officer, Friend, Father and Mentor this evening. Captain Steve Stevenson passed away in New York while working relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy. He was due to come home today. After 13 hours in surgery he succumbed to the toll that was placed on him. He leaves behind a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, father and siblings as well. Those that knew Cap’n Stevenson can attest that he was a brilliant Officer, a great Instructor, a genius of a Paramedic and the best friend anyone could ask for. He will be greatly missed.”

No further details have been released as to when Stevenson’s body will be brought back to Michigan.

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