What was supposed to be a lively fundraiser for the Bart Township Fire Company turned tragic Saturday when one of its members collapsed and died of a heart attack.

John G. Lawrence, 52, of Bart, died while working traffic detail during the fire company's 45th annual Mud Sale, which drew a record crowd.

He was a member of the Special Division Ladies Auxiliary, helping out during the auction and cooking meals for morning fundraising breakfasts.

Lawrence "was the kind of person that was willing to do anything for you," Chad Graybill, Bart Township Fire deputy chief, said.

According to Graybill, Lawrence was directing pickup trucks entering the loading area to pick up auction items at the station on Furnace Road when he collapsed at 4:30 p.m.

A CPR instructor in an adjacent car immediately started resuscitation, and the Bart Township Quick Response Service crew arrived within two minutes, administering a shock from a defibrillator.

Lawrence was revived and was coherent when he was loaded onto a stretcher and holding a conversation with the EMS crews, Graybill said.

But as Lawrence was transported to Lancaster General Hospital, his conditioned deteriorated, and he later died of the heart attack.

Formerly of Norwich, N.Y., Lawrence was married to Darlene T. Swisher-Lawrence, who is a lifelong member and vice president of the Bart Township Fire Company's Special Division Ladies Auxiliary. They celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in May.

Lawrence was a scale master for the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority. He was a member of the Rising Sun American Legion, Quarryville Slumbering Groundhog Lodge and the Ancient Order of Croaking Frogs of Quarryville.

He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, traveling and playing cards.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother and three children, all of Norwich.

Graybill said he has been helping the family with funeral details.

He said an honor guard from Bart Township will participate in the service, and one of their tankers will be parked at the funeral home.

Funeral services will take place at the Shivery Funeral Home, 111 Elizabeth Street, Christiana, at 11 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Michael Remel officiating.

There will be a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and again from 10 a.m. until time of service Wednesday.

The family requested that no fire apparatus be present, but they welcome any neighboring fire company personnel to attend the service.

Graybill said Saturday's incident was especially difficult for some of the members because Lawrence was fully conscious when he was taken to the hospital and appeared to be all right.

"It was a sad ending to a great day," Graybill said.

E-mail: myoder@lnpnews.com