Photo by ohad*.

The family of Medric “Cecil” Mills—the man who suffered a fatal heart attack near a Northeast fire station but wasn’t aided by firefighters—is suing the city for $7.7 million and asking for several reforms.

The longtime employee of D.C. Parks and Recreation collapsed on a January afternoon last year in a parking lot across the street from a firehouse on Rhode Island Avenue NE. Firefighters at the station failed to provide medical care after several people came in and requested assistance, according to a report released by the city.

A man who called 911 can be heard on the call saying, “I mean the fire department is across the street.” Once units were dispatched, they went to Northwest instead of Northeast because the call taker didn’t ask about the quadrant.

Mills was transported to Washington Hospital Center 20 minutes after the first 911 was placed. He died there.

His family called for all those involved in the incident to be fired. Two firefighters were disciplined, while the lieutenant on duty was allowed to retire before she could face disciplinary action.

Karen Evans, a lawyer representing the family, said at a press conference they had been talking to the city and advocating for additional changes, but weren’t successful. “We met with D.C. officials in an attempt to avoid where we are today.”

“We’ve got to have a change,” she said. “This could affect any of us. Anyone in the city who might need to call DCFEMS is at risk.”

The lawsuit seeks $7.7 million in the 77-year-old’s death.

Marie Mills, who held her father and assured him that help was on the way, said that when she hears reports of other delays in medical care, it brings tears to her eyes. “I pray for the family, because I know what they are going through,” she said.