YOUNGSVILLE – George Davidson III died two hours after participating in a fire department drill in Youngsville. He was 59 when he died of a heart attack on April 25, 2007.

But, Sullivan County is attempting to stop the state Workers’ Compensation benefits to which his family claims he is entitled.

“We are extremely disappointed with the cooperation from the County of Sullivan regarding the line-of-duty death of firefighter George R. Davidson III,” a statement from the Youngsville Fire Department read. “It is an absolute disgrace the way the family of a fallen brother is being treated.”

While the county is attempting to block the benefits, the National Fallen Firefighters foundation determined his death to be in the line of duty.