MINNETONKA, Minn. – Minnetonka Assistant Fire Chief Jim Flanders has died after being found in an unresponsive home Saturday, the city announced.
First responders attempted to take Flanders life-saving measures, and he was taken to hospital, but he was later pronounced dead. He was 59 years old, and officials said his death was a medical emergency.
Minnetonka Fire Department
“My heart is broken for the family of Jim and our family of firefighters. Losing one of our brothers is devastating,” Minnetonka Fire Chief John Vance said. “He’s always been in his position to help our community prepare for and respond to emergencies.”
Flanders has served the Minnetonka Fire Department for many years and in 2021 received the Minnetonka Spirit award, given to the city’s employee of the year.
The fire department said more information will be shared once plans for the Flanders memorial are finalized.
