HILLIARD, Fla. – A volunteer firefighter who died after suffering a medical emergency while battling the Old Dixie Highway Fire will be laid to rest on Thursday, following a procession from the Nassau Funeral Home to his church.
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 brush fire, just south of Henry Smith Road in Hilliard.
Nassau County Fire and Rescue Chief Brady Rigdon said Crews’ death hit Nassau County fire crews and the Hilliard Fire Department hard.
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.”
Crews’ funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at West Church at 550974 US-1, Hilliard, FL 32046.
Church member Brittany Oswald said they just don’t make men like Crews anymore.
“He had a heart of gold, and he was just a great man,” she said.
Oswald said Crews had “a servant’s heart” and was extremely active not only in his community, but also in his church--adding he was in church every Sunday serving both services.
She said his passing is proof that life is precious and one minute you can be here and the next you can be gone.
“That morning, he was helping with our homeschool children and then went and fought a fire and passed away,” Oswald said. “It was definitely unexpected.”
Before Friday’s service, a procession will begin at the Nassau Funeral Home at 8:30 a.m. Community members are encouraged to join in honoring Firefighter Crews by safely lining the procession route.
The route will travel north on US-1, turn left onto CR 108, then proceed left onto Pecan Street, past Fire Station 4, left onto W. 1st Street, and right onto US-1, concluding at West Church. See map.