North Bay fire captain unexpectedly passes away

( KRON ) — A North Bay firefighter passed away “unexpectedly” last Friday, the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District announced on social media. Captain Kyle Heard suffered a medical emergency on Aug. 16.

The Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District called Heard’s death a “heartbreaking loss.”

“It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking loss of one of our own,” the fire department said. “This tragic loss has deeply impacted our tight-knit community.”

Heard leaves behind his wife Rachael and two children, Logan and Parker. A GoFundMe has been set up by fellow fire captain Eric Gromala. As of Sunday evening, it has raised more than $58,000.

The fire department did not share any further details about his death.

The Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District is based out of the census-designated place of Penngrove in Sonoma County. Penngrove is located about five miles south of Rohnert Park.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.