On Wednesday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey ordered that flags be flown at half staff in honor of Springville Firefighter Jared Echols who died during training on Monday.
“I am directing flags be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for Springville firefighter Jared Echols, who died in the line of duty during a training exercise on Monday, June 17, 2019,” Ivey said. “Let us remember the life and service of firefighter Echols, who also served as a paramedic in the community. We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his two young daughters, his wife and the entire city of Springville.”
Ivey directed that the flags be flown at half staff until sunset on the day of interment Friday, June 21, 2019.
Springville Fire Chief Richard Harvey told reporters that firefighter and paramedic Jared Echols loved the community where he lived and worked.
“Jared will be remembered for his infectious smile, his unending generosity and his passion and desire to serve his fellow man,” Harvey said. “His service to our city and this community has touched countless lives.”
Harvey said Echols died Monday morning during a training exercise at the Anniston Regional Training Center of the Alabama Fire College.
Harvey said Echols had an undiagnosed medical condition that resulted in his unexpected death during the training. Echols was in his second week of training for his Firefighter I and II training through the Firefighter Bridge Program. Echols had worked as a volunteer firefighter for Pleasant Hill since 2015, before joining the Springville Fire Department. Echols was 35.
