HILLIARD, Fla. – A firefighter with the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department has died after suffering a medical emergency while battling a brush fire, according to Nassau County Fire and Rescue Chief Brady Rigdon.
Firefighter James “Kevin” Crews, who was assigned to Station 4 in Hilliard, was 59 years old when he died on April 23 after suffering a medical emergency while fighting the Old Dixie Highway Fire just south of Henry Smith Road in Hilliard.
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Town officials said it was the fifth wildfire to break out in the Hilliard area of Nassau County during the past week.
The incident happened around 5:20 p.m., and life-saving measures were immediately provided by on-scene fire rescue personnel, town officials said.
Crews was transported to UF Health on New Kings Road for further treatment, but passed away at the hospital at 6:50 p.m.
The Town of Hilliard and Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department are working closely with Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and state investigative agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.
The brush fire was being handled in a joint operation by Nassau County Fire and Rescue and the Hilliard VFD. Officials said the fire was being wrapped up, with firefighters continuing to monitor and extinguish hot spots.
Rigdon said the death has hit Nassau County fire crews and the Hilliard Fire Department hard.
Crews began his career as a firefighter in Ware County, Georgia, and was a two-year veteran of Hilliard VFD.
He is remembered by colleagues as a dedicated public servant, well respected by all firefighters, and loved by his community.
“Our department and our community have lost a hero,” said Hilliard Volunteer Fire Chief Jerry Johnson. “Kevin was the epitome of courage and dedication. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. We are focused on supporting his family and our personnel during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Details regarding funeral services and memorial arrangements will be shared as they become available. The family has requested privacy at this time.