The Alameda County Fire Department announced the sudden passing of one their own on Sunday. 14 year veteran Eric Mikel passed away while off duty last Monday, June 24th in Richmond. He was 48 years old.

“Alameda County Fire Fighters Association Local 55 are deeply saddened to announce the off-duty death of Firefighter Eric Mikel,” the department announced through Social Media. “Firefighter Mikel was a valued member of our organization and will be missed.”

Mikel joined the ACFD in 2005 and was most recently assigned to Emeryville Station 34 on Powell Street.

FF Eric Mikel left us too soon on the morning of Monday, June 24 2019. He was a valued member of Alameda County Fire Dept Department and Local 55 since March 1, 2005. A devoted husband and father, Eric was an active FF with ACFD for 14 years. Go fund me. https://t.co/1sA8HOBZLd pic.twitter.com/h1jtEHypCw

— Alameda County Firefighters L55 (@alcofirefighter) July 1, 2019

The ACFD expressed their gratitude to the Richmond Police and Fire Departments for their efforts to assist Mikel. They also expressed their condolences to Mikel’s family. “ACFD Chief David Rocha and the men and women of the Department extend their sincerest condolences to his family during this devastating and challenging time.”

A GoFundMe campaign is targeting $20,000 to assist Mikel’s family.