VIDEO/PHOTOS: Family, friends, and fellow first responders came together Saturday afternoon in Fort Pierce to honor a St. Lucie County firefighter who died unexpectedly last week. They gathered at Westside Baptist Church to pay tribute to Jarius Hodge, who died after becoming sick at work. St. Lucie Fire Chief Jeff Lee indicated that the illness was likely caused by an exposure during his shift. “We love you. I’m going to miss you,” Hodge’s brother Austin, who is also a St. Lucie County firefighter, said. “I’m going to carry your legacy. It’s going to go through me. It’s going to go through all your brothers out here and abroad. Those holes are going to be filled. He loves you guys.”
Hodge’s loved ones and members of the St. Lucie County Fire District were joined by the Rep. Brian Mast, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie Police Departments, along with other agencies for Saturday’s funeral. Addressing those assembled in the church and watching on the livestream, Mast described how Hodge had committed his life to serving others.
“Because he served others, his purpose in life is the definition of selfless, is the definition of generous,” Mast continued. “His spirit was the definition of noble and nobody could say that he didn’t live a life without regret.” Lee assured Hodge’s family that he was committed to ensuring that he was never forgotten and reminded them that they were all part of the St. Lucie County Fire District family. He urged them not to bear the burdens that may come alone. “I implore you to reach out and call any one of us, call all of us,” Lee said. “Let us sit with you. Let us cry with you. Let us laugh with you. Don’t do that alone.”
An escort following the services was set to guide his body from the church to Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. The route that began on Jenkins Road, proceeded to Edwards Road and 25th Street, before turning onto N. U.S. Highway 1. North Old Dixie Highway was shut down from Indrio Road to the Indian River County line from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the tribute. Likewise, the right northbound lane of N. U.S. Highway 1 was closed from Indrio Road to Hillcrest Memorial Gardens during the same period.
