An 18-year veteran St. Louis firefighter died while on duty Wednesday at Truck Company #36, 5000 Kingshighway, Fire Capt. Dan Sutter said.
Jeffrey Hudson appeared to have died in his sleep after returning from an early morning call, Sutter said.
As the news spread, black crepe bunting went up at fire houses around the city to pay respects to Hudson for his service and friendship. Flags were lowered to half-mast. Firefighters are wearing special mourning bands on their badges.
Sutter said that Hudson had been assigned to a number of companies.
"These were certainly some of the busiest the city has, and he most recently was assigned to Truck Company #36," he said.
Sutter said that Hudson's family had been notified and that funeral arrangements were pending.
"It's really tragic," Sutter said. "It's with deep sorrow we say that he has passed."
Copyright 2012 - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
