Dennis Shennard, a firefighter who served the Kingston Volunteer Fire Co., No. 1 for more than five decades, died Saturday after suffering a heart attack during a firefighter training session.

Shennard had a heart attack atound 10 a.m. while the company conducted a live burn drill at the Middlesex County Fire Academy,

He received immediate treatment at the scene by fellow firefighters and the Kendall Park First Aid Squad, and was transported to the Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy. Shortly after his arrival at the hospital, he was pronounced dead.

Shennard was with the fire company for 52 years, and held several offices over that time, including captain. He was serving as a trustee at the time of his death.

“Dennis was a dedicated firefighter who we always counted on whether it was responding to calls or assisting around the station,” Chief John Luck said. “He will be missed by all of us. We will keep his wife Patti, and son Dennis II and family, in our thoughts and prayers.”