United States (Missouri) - Shawnee firefighter John Glaser died in a smoke-filled house after he became sick in his oxygen mask and removed it, investigators reported. The report from fire investigators outside Shawnee said Glaser, 33, rescued a dog before going back in to look for the homeowner, who was not there.

It is not known how Glaser and a partner became separated, but the partner heard him call for help, the report said.

When colleagues found him in the master bedroom, his helmet, face piece and gloves were off and he was unresponsive. He had removed them to try to clear vomit, the report said, and was overcome by smoke and toxic gases.

He and firefighters at his station responded to about three calls that day and Glaser had two large meals, the report said.

He is the first Shawnee firefighter to die in the line of duty and among 49 to die this year nationwide.

Glaser lived in Olathe and left a widow, who declined to comment Thursday, and two young children.

Hundreds of firefighters, family and friends attended his funeral in May, when he was described as a man with a call to duty. He became a firefighter because he wanted to help others, said Shawnee Fire Chief Jeff Hudson.

Written by The Kansas City Star