A Springville firefighter who died during a training exercise Monday is being remembered for his love and dedication to the community he served.
Fire Chief Richard Harvey on Tuesday identified the fallen firefighter as Jared Wayne Echols, a 35-year-old husband and father of two young daughters who joined the department in January.
“Jared had a true servant’s heart in everything he did,’’ Harvey said.
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Echols was raised in Springville and graduated from Springville High Schools. He later completed training programs at Jeff State, Herzing and the Alabama Fire college. He completed his paramedic certification in 2016.
Echols began his fire service in 2015 as a volunteer with Pleasant Hill Fire and Rescue and, in December 2018, completed his volunteer certification for the Springville Fire Department.
Echols began his service with Springville on Jan. 21, 2019.
At the time of his death, Echols was a student in the Alabama Firefighter Bridge Program, which is a five-week course for certified volunteer firefighters seeking to become certified for full-time employment.
Harvey said Echols was at the Alabama Fire College’s Regional Training Center in Anniston Monday, starting his second week of the program. It was about 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and he was about 15 to 20 minutes into Monday’s search and rescue training on the tower when he began to feel ill and went to the rehab station to get medical attention and was rendered assistance by the Anniston Fire Department.
He later was pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet announced the cause of death, but Harvey said it was a medical incident, not an accident or injury.
“There were no red flags or issues,’’ an emotional Harvey said. “That’s what makes this so shocking.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized. Harvey said Springville is a close-knit community and has been hard-hit by Echols’ death.
“Jared will be remembered for his infectious smile, his unending generosity and his servant’s heart,’’ Harvey said. “I’ve known Jared for pretty much all of his life. Before his fire service, in the fire service, in our church and everywhere else.”
“He had a steadfast love for his lord savior Jesus Christ,’’ Harvey said. “And because of that, I know right now he’s in good hands.”
“He’s touched many, many lives, even in the short time he was with us,’’ the chief said. “I can name numerous occasions he made a difference, and he’s going to be missed.”
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