Visitation is this afternoon (Sat 2pm) and services are tomorrow for Mapleton firefighter, 58-year-old Timothy Royce, who died March 30th of a heart attack after responding to two emergency calls. George Esbensen with the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation says, “Unlike most people, firefighters are jolted either out of bed or away from work or away from their regular routine hundreds if not thousands of times during their career, and this takes a toll on their heart…. That’s why firefighters suffer from cardiac disease and cardiac fatalities at rates that are about twice the average of the general population.” Esbensen points to demonstrated medical reasons why this happens.
After Sunday’s funeral at Maple River High School, the body of Firefighter Royce will be taken to Mankato accompanied by a procession of fire equipment. He leaves behind two children.
Visitation: Saturday 4/7 2-5pm Woodland Hills Funeral Home, Mankato
Sunday 4/8 Noon-1pm Maple River High School, Mapleton
Funeral: Sunday 4/8 1-2pm Maple River High School, Mapleton
More information on firefighters’ health risks in this interview with Esbensen: