Faulkner County deputy dies following training exercises

A Faulkner County sheriff's deputy died Monday morning after taking part in a training session in North Little Rock, Faulkner County sheriff Andy Shock said.

Hans Fifer, 32, participated in SWAT training in North Little Rock and completed the training, when he began complaining of shortness of breath, Shock said.

Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services workers on scene gave Fifer oxygen treatment. Shortly afterward, Fifer began complaining of chest pains and collapsed, Shock said.

MEMS workers performed CPR until an ambulance arrived and transported him to Springhill Baptist Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead, Shock said.

The SWAT training consists running, jumping, pushups and other physical activities, according to Shock.

"We think there may have been some underlying health issues that we weren't aware of and maybe Hans wasn't even aware of," Shock said Monday afternoon.

Fifer began his law enforcement career as volunteer reserve deputy in Faulkner County a few years ago, and he served with the Cabot Police Department following his stint as a volunteer reserve, Shock said.

He was hired as a Faulkner County sheriff's deputy in January, shortly after Shock took office.

Fifer was married with two daughters, ages 3 and 5, according to Shock.

Shock called it a "tragic time" for the sheriff's office and asked for prayers for Fifer's family and the Faulkner County sheriff's office.

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