The Tri-Lakes firefighter who died Friday at a brush fire Thursday was identified Saturday afternoon as Jeff Derrick. This is the East Texas fire department's second line-of-duty death since 2021.
Firefighters were called to the grass fire around 11:30 a.m., Tri-Lakes Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jerry Ward told KLTV.com.
Crews from Mount Pleasant and Tri-Lakes volunteer fire departments responded to the scene where Derrick was overcome by smoke after becoming disoriented, KLTV.com reported. Fire officials said he was trying to get back to his truck when he was overcome.
The grass fire shifted directions a few times, authorities said, and the fire spread into high grass and pasture land where firefighters were working the fire lines.
No other injuries were reported in the fire, which was brought under control by firefighters, CBS19 reported.
In November 2021, Tri-Lakes firefighter Ross Eastabrooks suffered a fatal heart attack during a house fire.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of a dedicated firefighter from Tri-Lakes VFD. Their courage, commitment, and service to the community will never be forgotten," Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department shared in a statement. "Please join us in lifting up the firefighter’s family, friends, and the entire Tri-Lakes VFD family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with you and honor a life given in service to others."
