An L.A. Fire Department captain collapsed on the job today and was pronounced dead at a hospital, the LAFD says.

Capt. Matthew G. McKnight, a 31-year veteran of the department, collapsed at the end of a 5-hour watch shift at the Metropolitan Fire Communications Center early this morning, according to LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey:

Fellow LAFD employees discovered him down at the facility at 500 East Temple Street downtown about 1:07 a.m., Humphrey said.

The 51-year-old was taken to USC+LA County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Humphrey:

Despite an exhaustive effort by colleagues who immediately performed CPR, applied a defibrillator and instituted advanced life support measures, Captain McKnight proved beyond medical help and was declared dead Monday morning at the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center.

Those who want to wish the department condolences can do so at the LAFD's Facebook page, Humphrey said.

The L.A. County Department of Coroner would determine the cause of death.

The LAFD states:

The members of your Los Angeles Fire Department remain deeply appreciative of the kindness and support of so many at this difficult time.

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