Broward Firefighter Dies While On Duty at Airport

Veteran firefighter-paramedic suffered medical emergency in airport parking garage.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:38am

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A 54-year-old Broward County firefighter-paramedic with 19 years of service died on Easter morning after suffering a medical emergency while on duty at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Steven Lepselter was found unresponsive in the airport's Palm Garage and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Why it matters

The unexpected death of a veteran first responder is a tragic loss for the Broward County community and fire department. Lepselter was known for his dedication to public service and mentoring younger firefighters, making his sudden passing all the more impactful.

The details

Lepselter was ending his fire watch shift at the airport and preparing to head to his regular station in Weston when he suffered the medical emergency around 6:55 a.m. on Easter Sunday. Deputies and fire rescue personnel responded to the scene in the airport parking garage but were unable to revive him. He was transported to Broward Health Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

  • The incident occurred around 6:55 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Lepselter had been ending his fire watch shift at the airport and was preparing to head to his regular station in Weston.

The players

Steven Lepselter

A 54-year-old firefighter-paramedic with the Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, who had served the community for over 19 years in multiple specialized divisions including Airport, Seaport, Hazardous Materials, Air Rescue, and the Training Division.

Broward Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony

The Broward County Sheriff who remembered Lepselter as someone who consistently put the needs of the community and his fellow team members above all else.

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What they’re saying

“This loss of Firefighter/Paramedic Lepselter is deeply felt across our entire organization.”

— Broward Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony

The takeaway

The sudden death of this dedicated public servant has left a void in the Broward County fire department and community. Lepselter's legacy of mentorship and selfless service will be remembered as an inspiration to the next generation of first responders.