Worcester firefighter dies while snow blowing

WEBSTER, Mass. (WHDH) -- A veteran Worcester fireman who lived in Webster died after he suffered a heart attack while operating a snow blower at his home on Saturday.

Flags are flying at half staff at Worcester fire stations for Pat Germain, who was 60 years old.

“We didn’t know what was going on. I come out and see them doing CPR on him over between the house and the garage,” said Bill Desroches, Germain’s neighbor.

A top Worcester fire official confirms Germain started snow blowing in the morning, but didn't feel well and went in for a nap. When he came back out to finish the job, he collapsed.

Germain worked for the department's fire prevention unit as an investigator.

He'd check businesses for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, among other things.

For many years he worked out of the Park Ave station, fighting fires with men like John Connor who was Germain's partner and for a long time, his golfing buddy.

“It’s just a shock for all the guys and I’m sure his family. I know his wife Kelly and you know, it’s just tough,” said Connor.

Germain was the father of four grown kids.

“Great family man, he loved his kids tremendously. His life was his kids,” said Tony Rossetti, Worcester Fire Department. “I miss him tremendously, but I’ll be alright.”

Funeral arrangements are incomplete. His is the state's third storm related fatality.