Pasadena Fire Veteran, 53, Dies Of Apparent Heart Attack At Upland Gym

PASADENA (CBS) — A 32-year Pasadena Fire Department veteran who was looking toward retirement died Tueday of an apparent heart attack.

Kevin Moore, 53, went into cardiac arrest while at a gym in Upland, shortly after finishing a 24-hour shift, said Lisa Derderian of the Pasadena Fire Department.

Moore came from a firefighting family. His father, Tom, was once the Pasadena department's assistant chief, and two of his brothers work for the Vernon Fire Department.

Moore, who held the title of engineer, was responsible for maintaining and driving fire apparatus, Derderian said. He also operated the fire engine pump and fire truck aerial ladder during fire and rescue situations.

He was a member of the Regional Task Force Urban Search and Rescue Team and had worked out of Station 32 on Villa Street, just west of Altadena Drive, for more than 10 years.

"Kevin was known as a gentle giant; he sported a large stature and had a sincere, gentle demeanor," said Pasadena fire Chief Dennis J. Downs. "We just returned from an annual motorcycle ride where Kevin shared that he was looking forward to retirement and spending time with his kids."

The Upland resident is survived by his wife Connie, two teenage children, six brothers, one sister and his father.

Flags will be flown at half-staff in front of all seven Pasadena fire stations until Moore is buried. Funeral arrangements were pending.

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