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Cambridge Firefighter Near Death After Training Accident

CAMBRIDGE, Minn. (WCCO/AP) -- A Cambridge firefighter was critically hurt in a training accident Monday night.

City Administrator Lynda Woulfe says 35-year-old Chip Imker was injured in a fall about 9:30 p.m. Monday while training in rope rescue techniques. She says he fell about six to eight feet onto a concrete surface at the fire hall. He is currently clinging to life.

Minnesota OSHA is investigating.

Imker joined the fire department last year. Colleagues said Imker served the community in Cambridge in whatever he did - as a volunteer high school wrestling coach, in his construction business, as a member of the Army National Guard and as a volunteer firefighter.

His family is expected to donate his organs Wednesday. He leaves behind two children under the age of 10.

The Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association is planning a tribute to Imker, and a fund has been set up for his family.

The Chip Imker Firefighter Memorial Fund has been established in his memory. Donations to the memorial fund can be sent to Minnco Credit Union at 235 1st Avenue West, Cambridge, MN 55008. Checks should be made payable to Kristin Hill.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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