Mapleton firefighters to remember volunteer who died in line of duty

Firefighters from around the state will honor a volunteer firefighter from southern Minnesota who died in the line of duty last Thursday.

58-year-old Timothy Royce volunteered with the Mapleton Fire Department for 17 years.

Fire Chief Ben Froehlich says Royce died of an apparent heart attack last Thursday, hours after responding to two emergency calls. Because Royce died within 24 hours after responding to a call, the death is considered in the line of duty.

Froehlich says heart attacks are common among firefighters, who often spring into action at a moment's notice. He says Royce, who leaves two grown children behind, loved helping others.

"Tim was a giver," Froehlich said. "Anything you needed any time he would be there to help."

The Mapleton Fire Department has 22 members who are all volunteers. Visitations for Royce will be held on Saturday in Mankato and Sunday in Mapleton.