Why I walk for the American Heart Association

April 11, 2017

University Relations



Jeff Bayless
Jeff Bayless


By Doug Shrage
Chief, University Fire Department



It was just over three years ago that my friend and colleague, Senior Fire Capt. Jeff Bayless, collapsed during a strenuous firefighting training exercise. He died instantly from sudden cardiac arrest. He was 51 years old — just one year older than me at the time.


The year before that, former University Fire Department Chief Bill Shechter died suddenly from a major stroke.


Fifty percent of all firefighter line-of-duty deaths are of cardiac etiology, making this the leading cause of firefighter fatalities.


The American Heart Association has made important strides in preventing and improving treatments for heart disease and stroke, in part because of ongoing research conducted right here at UAF.


For me, it's personal. I have made it a priority to reduce this figure among today’s — and tomorrow's — firefighters. Please join me by making a contribution, joining one of the 2017 UAF Heart Walk teams or even forming your own team.