By FireRescue1 Staff

WELLINGTON, Ill. — An Illinois firefighter died Thursday after reporting discomfort after he and other firefighters tested a fire hose.

Assistant Chief John William Jeffers, 54, a member of the Wellington-Greer, Ill., Fire Department, sat down on the tail board of an apparatus and stated he wasn't feeling well after he reloaded the hose and wanted to be taken home, according to a report by the U.S. Fire Administration.

The fire department was called after a friend visited his house the next afternoon and he did not respond at the door, the report said.

Upon entering, firefighters discovered Assistant Chief Jeffers had died from a reported myocardial infarction.

Funeral arrangements will be held Monday, at 10:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church on Main Street, Wellington, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to the Wellington-Greer Fire Department, the Wellington United Methodist Church or the charity of the donor's choice.

Tribute is being paid to Assistant Chief Jeffers at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/