N.C. recruit dies after medical episode during pre-employment fitness test

By Leila Merrill GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Greensboro Fire Department recruit died Wednesday morning after suffering a medical episode during the pre-employment fitness assessment, WFMY reported. Andrew Vaughn, 36, was finishing the last lap of a 1.5-mile run when he collapsed. He reportedly said that his legs were cramping and he could not stand. Fire officials said the assessment includes the run, plus sit-ups, push-ups and pull-ups, with the run being the first in the series. He was scheduled to join the department’s recruit class on Sept. 1. In a statement, Greensboro Fire Chief Jim Robinson said, “this is an absolutely tragic day for the fire service, Andrew’s family, and his wife, Stephanie. … The Greensboro Fire Department is devastated by Andrew’s untimely death. Our hearts go out to everyone who knew and loved him. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”