WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Washington County/Johnson City EMS and county leaders held a press conference Thursday to address the death of rescue technician and advanced EMT Fred Kemp.

Kemp, who had served with the EMS for 28 years, died during a training exercise on Wednesday.

James Matthews, the Washington County/Johnson City EMA Public Affairs and Operations Officer, opened the press conference and introduced Dan Wheeley, the EMS chief, and county mayor Joe Grandy. Several other members of EMS joined Wheeley during the press conference.

Matthews told members of the media that while EMTs, rescue technicians and other first responders may work in a dangerous field, losing a friend and teammate is incredibly difficult.

"Even in this line of work, where responders face difficu

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