Madison Fire Department may change after firefighter's death

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Madison Fire Department may make changes to its health programs and policies as federal officials plan to investigate the death of one of the department's members.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports that 29-year-old firefighter and paramedic Richard Garner died earlier this year of a heart attack after a 48-hour shift. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health will investigate Garner's death.

The fire department is looking into ways it can prevent job-related health problems or deaths. Changes could potentially come to the department's wellness programs, fitness testing policies and shift scheduling.

Madison Fire Chief Steven Davis says the department hasn't found a link between Garner's death and his shift. Davis says he doesn't believe the city or department are liable in the death.

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