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Loved ones pay respects to JFRD engineer who ‘lost his life while serving this community’

The funeral for Heath O'Shea was held Monday at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

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.

JFRD firefighters paid their last respects to Engineer Heath O'Shea, who died in the line of duty. (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

RELATED | JFRD holds procession to honor life of engineer who died unexpectedly while on duty

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.


About the Author
Marcela Camargo headshot

Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism.

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