Members of a first aid squad in Cape May County are mourning the loss of a member who collapsed in the line of duty nearly two weeks ago.

(Credit: Google Street View via Google Maps)
(Credit: Google Street View via Google Maps)
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Mort Schmerling was responding to a medical emergency on April 13 in the Seaville section of Upper Township when he collapsed, according to a post on the Upper Township Rescue Squad's Facebook page.

According to the post, Schmerling, an emergency medical technician in the municipality, died Saturday as a result of the collapse.

"It is with Deepest Regret that the Upper Township Division of EMS announces the Line of duty death of EMT Mort Schmerling," the squad wrote on Facebook.

Upper Township Rescue Squad Chief Jay Potter has not yet returned calls for comment. The squad's Facebook post states that funeral arrangements for Schmerling are pending.

After the EMT's death was announced, friends, family members and EMS colleagues posted condolences and memories of Schmerling. His daughter, Rebecca Schmerling, posted a comment saying the squad was her father's "happy place."

"My family would like to thank Upper Township Rescue Squad and Atlanticare for their continued support through this tough time. Words cannot describe how grateful we are. Even though this was a tragic time, it really was a little easier knowing all of you were there for us," Schmerling's daughter wrote. "As you know working at Upper was my Dad's "happy place". My dad is now resting peacefully in an even happier place. God Bless."

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