JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department honored a fallen 20-year veteran of the agency on Sunday.
JFRD held a procession for Engineer Heath J. O'Shea, 44, in Jacksonville on Sunday morning. Emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the Fuller Warren Bridge as members saluted the vehicles in the procession for O'Shea.
"Losing someone and saying goodbye isn't easy...but we will send you out with grace and dignity that you have earned and deserve," JFRD wrote on social media Sunday.
O'Shea died after suffering from a medical emergency while on duty at Fire Station 54 Friday night, JFRD announced in a press release on Saturday.
Despite life-saving efforts made by JFRD personnel and medical staff, O'Shea died at the hospital early Saturday morning.
"Engineer O’Shea selflessly and honorably served the City of Jacksonville throughout his distinguished career and his passing will forever leave a void in this community," the release said.
Jacksonville city leaders are honoring O'Shea, thanking him for serving his community.
"My heart goes out to the family of Heath O'Shea after his passing in the line of duty. Jacksonville will be forever grateful for his service to our community," Mayor Donna Deegan said on social media Saturday.
“I'm deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Jacksonville Firefighter Heath J. O’Shea. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the City Council. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time," said Jacksonville City Council President Ron Salem said in a statement sent to First Coast News.
O’Shea was assigned to Tanker-54 located on Jacksonville's Southside.