Funeral arrangements made for HFD cadet who died during training

HOUSTON – Funeral arrangements have been made for a Houston Fire Department cadet who died during a training session last week.  Steven R. Whitfield II, who was assigned to Class 2015 - G at the Val Jahnke Training Facility, collapsed and died on Thursday.

Whitfield, 32, was participating in an obstacle course exercise when he collapsed near the end, according to firefighters. Authorities said other cadets and instructors on the course noticed Whitfield was in trouble and rushed to his aid.

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The group used CPR in an attempt to resuscitate him but was unsuccessful, officials said.

The cadet was taken to Memorial Hermann Texas Trauma Institute, where doctors continued to work on him. Whitfield was pronounced dead at 12:48 p.m.

"It is a dangerous job, and he signed up for a dangerous assignment. While in the line of duty preparing for this particular job, being a public servant, he lost his life. This city will be forever grateful," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said.

Photo courtesy: Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association

Visitation will be held Tuesday at the Pat H. Foley Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral home is located at 1200 W. 34th Street in Houston.

A public memorial service will be held Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. Whitfield will be buried Wednesday afternoon in Beaumont.

The funeral and graveside service will be held at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home at 4955 Pine Street in Beaumont.