Portland Fire Captain Michael Kucsma’s death ruled “natural” and attributed to a heart attack.

Portland, Maine – The State Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta has released preliminary findings as a result of the autopsy performed today on Portland Fire Department Captain Michael Kucsma.  The Medical Examiner has determined that Kucsma, 43, died as a result of a heart attack while scuba diving Monday afternoon.

When notified of the findings by the Medical Examiner Portland Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria stated “This report is bittersweet, allowing his family and co-workers additional peace of mind, yet, there is still the task of saying goodbye to a son, a husband, a brother and a friend.”

As a result of the preliminary findings both Portland and Gorham Fire Department along with union officials are making the preliminary required reports regarding public safety officer’s death in the line of duty. The public safety officer’s line of duty death benefit provides certain benefits to survivors if the firefighter or other public safety official death meets certain specific criteria.

Kucsma had responded to an emergency call in Gorham earlier in the day.  Kucsma was a deputy chief in the Gorham fire Department and regularly responded to emergency calls for that Department as well as Portland, where he was the Captain assigned to Engine 6.

“While this will never bring Mike back, if approved, this will provide some security to his family” continued LaMoria

Funeral arrangements will be released later this evening by the Portland Fire Department.