Lake Valley Fire Engineer Neil Schnaible died after suffering an on-duty medical emergency, but his decision to be an organ donor is expected to help save lives across the country

By Nicole Buss
The Sacramento Bee

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Firefighter Neil Schnaible of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District died Monday after suffering a medical emergency while on duty last Wednesday, according to the district.

According to International Association of Firefighters Local 4409, facilitators of the GoFundMe for Schnaible’s family, said he suffered from a heart attack.

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“His fellow firefighters acted immediately, performing CPR and successfully restoring a pulse,” the GoFundMe said. “But during the incident, Neil fell and struck his head on the pavement, causing multiple severe brain bleeds.“

The fundraiser, which by Monday raised $102,765 f its goal of $140,000, said Schnaible’s wife and daughter were out of the country in Greece during the incident.

“Our immediate goal is to bring them home as quickly as possible so they can be by Neil’s side during this critical time,” the GoFundMe said.

John McNamara, fire chief of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District, which provides fire service to Meyers and other areas outside the city of South Lake Tahoe, said that Schnaible’s service to the community as a fire engineer will never be forgotten.

“He exemplified the highest ideals of fire service - courage, professionalism, and a selfless commitment to protecting lives and property,” he said.

To honor Schnaible’s life, the flag at Lake Valley Fire Protection District headquarters just off Highways 89 and 50, will be flown at half-staff.

“All members of the district are asked to keep Engineer Schnaible and his family in their thoughts as we grieve together and support one another through this tremendous loss,” McNamara said.

McNamara said Schnaible had expressed a wish to be an organ donor.

“Neil’s last wish was to be an organ donor, even in death he is giving life and a second chance to so many people across the country.” he said. “This is what Neil wanted. We should all strive to be a little more like Neil.”

His death comes as California’s organ donor registry nears a milestone. Donate Life California, which manages the state’s registry in partnership with the Department of Motor Vehicles, reported this week that more than 19.96 million people have signed up, leaving fewer than 40,000 needed to reach 20 million donors.

State officials have long said the need remains urgent. More than 20,000 Californians are waiting for life-saving transplants, and only a small fraction of deaths occur under conditions that allow for organ donation.

Advocates say donor registration — often completed at the DMV — can turn tragedy into lifesaving opportunities for others.

Memorial service arrangements for Schnaible will be announced at a later date, McNamara said.

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Each year, the NFFF carries out a responsibility entrusted to it by Congress: honoring America’s fallen firefighters and standing alongside the families they leave behind. In 2026, that mission is at risk.