Procession for fallen Hickory Firefighter who died after helping put out a fire

HICKORY, N.C. – A Hickory firefighter, who passed away while on duty, is now back home. A procession was held Monday for 20-year-old Jake Bridges. He passed away after helping with a fire early Thursday morning. Hickory Fire says Bridges had a medical emergency while back at the station.

We talked with one woman who says it was important to come out and honor the fallen hero. Hickory resident Elaine Seaver says, “These guys take care of us. This will be hard. I know it has to mean so much to the family to see the people come out and appreciate what their son did, and putting his life out there every day.”

A funeral for Bridges is set for Wednesday at 11 AM at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. The memorial is open to the public.