A St. Lucie County Fire District firefighter died while on duty Saturday.

Firefighter Paramedic Austin Hodge, who had been with the department for nine years, died just 15 months after his firefighter brother, Jarius, succumbed to a medical issue after falling ill at work.

Austin Hodge was assigned to Station 9 in Fort Pierce, according to WPBF.

Honor guard members as well as other fire and EMS personnel and police officers saluted as Hodge's body was placed in an ambulance to be transported to the medical examiner's office in Fort Pierce. Along the route, firefighters and civilians showed their respect.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

"His death is a profound loss to the St. Lucie County Fire District and the fire service community. The District extends its heartfelt condolences to Hodge’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this difficult time," fire officials wrote in a statement.

On July 22, 2025, Jarius Hodge fell ill while working at Station 3. He went home and was later rushed to a hospital where he died.

Remembering his brother, Austin told reporters: "He was a quiet leader, and we take a lot from him. He was my younger brother, but I looked up to him in many ways to keep me poised, keep me patient. And I think that's what he's teaching everybody today."