Birmingham Loses Veteran Firefighter Patrick Nagel

The Birmigham Fire Department is mourning the loss of a veteran firefighter this week. 

Patrick Nagel, a 16-year-department veteran died, unexpectedly Monday evening at his home in Clinton Township, Fire Chief Mike Metz said. He was 43.

Metz said the cause of death was unknown Thursday, and that the close-knit department was still absorbing the impact of the tragedy.

“It was a total shock,” Metz said by phone Thursday afternoon. “Pat was a healthy, active 43-year-old and this came as a total surprise to the department.”

Nagel was a firefighter-paramedic, and a valuable member of the department known for his team-first approach, he added. 

"He was just one of those guys everyone loved and enjoyed working with, and he loved being at work and with his family. He’s going to be missed by all of us," Metz said. 

Nagel is survived by wife, Deann, and children Nicholas, 16, and Ashley, 14.

The department helped establish the Patrick C. Nagel Memorial Fund, and donations can be made at any Chase Bank branch, or sent to the Birmingham Fire Department at 572 S. Adams St. Birmingham, Mi. 48009.

Visitation is from from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, and from 1-9 p.m. Friday at the Wujek-Calcaterra and Sons funeral home at 36900 Schoenherr Rd. in Sterling Heights. A funeral service is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael's Church at 40501 Hayes St. in Sterling Heights.

Metz said firefighters from Royal Oak and Bloomfield Township will cover the city Saturday so that department personnel can attend the funeral. 

This story was updated to reflect Nagel is survived by wife, Deann, and children Nicholas, 16, and Ashley, 14.