JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of firefighters, family members and friends gathered at the Prime Osborn Convention Center on Monday to pay their final respects to Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Engineer Heath O’Shea who died in the line of duty on April 13.
O’Shea, 44, suffered a medical emergency while on duty at Fire Station 54 on April 12. Despite efforts of JFRD personnel and medical professionals at the hospital, O’Shea died the next day.
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“He lost his life while serving this community,” JFRD Chief Keith Powers said.
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O’Shea served in the department for 20 years and was assigned to Tanker 54 located on the Southside, officials said.
“Says a lot for the fact that these men and women when they get up and go to work in the mornings, they never know if that’d be the last time they see their families,” Powers said.
After the service, dozens of firetrucks and other law enforcement vehicles held a procession in honor of O’Shea ultimately leading to Oaklawn Cemetery, where he was buried.
“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,” Fire Captain Eric Prosswimmer wrote in a release.