End of watch - John L. Echternach, Jr - 7/2/2012

[N2DFire]

The entire family of Franklin County Public Safety is saddened to report that John L. Echternach, Jr. passed away on July 2, 2012. On Friday, June 29, 2012, Firefighter/EMT Echternach, 54, was critically injured in the line of duty. Tragically, Firefighter/EMT Echternach died as a result of those injuries. He was a dedicated member of the Boones Mill Fire-EMS Department and the Franklin County Department of Public Safety since June of 2003. John will be greatly missed by all his fellow firefighters and his death is a tragic reminder of the dangers first responders face providing public service. Please keep John's family in your thoughts and prayers.

On 6/29/2012 FF/EMT Echternach was responding to the station to assist with calls at the onset of a severe thunder storm that was hitting the area. While checking on others who had struck a fallen tree, John was struck in the head and trapped for a short time by falling debris from another series of trees downed by another gust of wind.

On Monday 7/2/2012, John lost his fight to the injuries he received.

"He was one of the most active volunteers with the Boones Mill department. The fact that he was out in the middle of the storm speaks to his nature.... He was a selfless person, who died providing a service to the residents of the county" said Public Safety Director Daryl Hatcher

John was a very active & very integral member of the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire & EMS Department and his loss will felt throughout the entire county.

Rest in Peace Brother.