Attleboro Firefighter Dies After Suffering Medical Issue While On Duty

ATTLEBORO — Chief Scott T. Lachance regrets to announce that Attleboro Firefighter Thomas Albert Cannon died on Monday after collapsing while on duty Sunday afternoon.

Firefighter Cannon was 63 years old, and leaves behind his wife, Alice, and three sons, Lucas, Jacob and Seth, who is a Sandwich firefighter.

"I am very saddened at the news of Thomas Cannon's line of duty death. He served our department with distinction and pride for over 30 years," Chief Lachance said. "On behalf of the entire Attleboro Fire Department I want to extend our love and prayers to his family and loved ones."

Firefighter Cannon collapsed and went into cardiac arrest while performing truck and equipment checks at the beginning of his shift on Sunday at the Twin Village Fire Station, located at 763 South Main Street in Attleboro.

His fellow firefighters were able to revive him and bring him to the hospital. He died in the hospital the following day.

Firefighter Cannon joined the department in 1987 and was most recently assigned to the A Shift at the Twin Village Fire Station on Engine 5.

Over the course of his career, he earned his EMT Intermediate certificate and was integral in the implementation of the department's Juvenile Fire Setters Intervention Program. The program works with children who may be at risk for intentionally setting fires, and educating them about the impacts and consequences.

A wake service will be held on Friday, May 18, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Duffy-Poule Funeral Home at 20 Peck Street in Attleboro. The wake will be followed by a private funeral service.

--Attleboro Fire Department