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Austin fire specialist dies of cardiac event

In 2006, Lafferre was awarded AFD's Medal of Valor, the department's second-highest honor.

AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own.

AFD said that 39-year-old Fire Specialist Chris Lafferre died after suffering a cardiac event at his home Sunday evening.

In 2006, Lafferre was awarded AFD's Medal of Valor, the department's second-highest honor, when he and Battalion Chief David Brietzke rescued a woman after the boat she and her companion were riding in was sucked through Tom Miller Dam.

"Rest in peace, Chris; we'll see you on the top floor," AFD wrote in a Facebook post.

We are so incredibly sad to have to share the news of the passing of... one of our own, 41-year-old Fire Specialist Chris Lafferre, who died earlier this evening after suffering a cardiac event at his home.

Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) also offered their condolences to AFD and Lafferre's family in a Facebook post Sunday night.

"Please keep his family, friends and [our] public safety brothers and sisters in your thoughts and prayers, as they deal with this devestating loss," ATCEMS wrote.

WATCH: Austin Fire recognizes firefighter, teen for acts of heroism

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