A St. Lucie County firefighter died after falling ill while on duty, highlighting the risks faced by first responders in Port St. Lucie and throughout the county. The firefighter, Jairus Hodge, was just 26 years old and had served the St. Lucie County Fire District since 2022.

St. Lucie County Firefighter Dies After On-Duty Illness

Jairus Hodge, a firefighter and paramedic with the St. Lucie County Fire District, began feeling unwell during his shift on July 21, 2025. He was assigned to Station 10 on Southwest Dalton Circle in Port St. Lucie at the time.

According to Fire Chief Jeff Lee, Hodge asked to leave work early due to his symptoms. This was unusual for him, as he was known for his dedication and positive attitude. The incident comes just months after a tragic water rescue in Fort Pierce involving an 82-year-old man, underscoring the unpredictable emergencies local first responders face.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Firefighter’s Death

• July 21, 2025: Hodge reports feeling unwell while on duty at Station 10 in Port St. Lucie.
• He requests to go home, raising concern among colleagues due to his typical reliability.
• July 22, 2025: Hodge’s condition worsens at home. He calls for medical assistance and is transported to Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie.
• He passes away at the hospital. His body is escorted by local first responders to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Fort Pierce.

Fire District officials are awaiting the official cause of death from the medical examiner. Chief Lee stated that, while there is no immediate evidence of exposure to hazardous materials during Hodge’s calls, the possibility is being investigated. The community is still mourning this unexpected loss of a dedicated St. Lucie County firefighter, which has deeply impacted local emergency services.

Remembering Jairus Hodge: A Dedicated St. Lucie County Firefighter

Jairus Hodge joined the St. Lucie County Fire District in 2022 and quickly advanced to the role of firefighter/paramedic. Colleagues and leadership describe him as the “epitome of what you’d want as an employee, firefighter, and community servant.” He was known for his enthusiasm, fitness, and strong work ethic.

Hodge typically worked out of Station 3 on Southwest Ravenswood Lane in Port St. Lucie, but was covering a shift at Station 10 at the time he became ill. His older brother, Austin Hodge, is also a firefighter in the district. The siblings were close and often spent time together outside of work.

Community Response to the Loss

The death of a young firefighter has deeply affected the St. Lucie County Fire District and the wider Port St. Lucie community. Chief Lee described the loss as “huge,” emphasizing Hodge’s impact both as a professional and as a person.

Local agencies, including the Port St. Lucie Police Department and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, participated in escorting Hodge’s body to the medical examiner. The Fire District is treating the incident as a line-of-duty death, given the circumstances surrounding his final shift. Recent incidents, such as the fire at a cemetery north of Fort Pierce, have also raised concerns about safety and emergency preparedness in the area.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Considerations

The cause of Jairus Hodge’s death remains under investigation by the medical examiner’s office in Fort Pierce. Chief Lee noted that while there is no current indication that Hodge was exposed to hazardous materials, all medical calls and potential exposures from his last shift are being reviewed.

Officials are committed to understanding the circumstances that led to Hodge’s illness and ensuring the safety of all first responders in St. Lucie County. The Fire District continues to support Hodge’s family and colleagues during this difficult time.

Firefighter Safety in St. Lucie County

This incident brings attention to the health risks and unpredictable dangers faced by firefighters and paramedics in Port St. Lucie and across the Treasure Coast. The Fire District regularly reviews protocols and provides resources to protect its personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie County Firefighter Dies

What happened to the St. Lucie County firefighter in July 2025?

Jairus Hodge, a firefighter/paramedic with the St. Lucie County Fire District, became ill while on duty and later died at a hospital. The cause of death is still under investigation by the medical examiner.

How old was the firefighter who died in Port St. Lucie?

Jairus Hodge was 26 years old at the time of his death. He had served with the St. Lucie County Fire District since 2022.

Are firefighter deaths in St. Lucie County considered line-of-duty?

Fire Chief Jeff Lee is treating Hodge’s passing as a line-of-duty death because his illness began during his shift. The official designation will depend on the medical examiner’s findings.

Can firefighters in PSL be exposed to hazardous materials?

Firefighters in Port St. Lucie may encounter hazardous materials during emergency calls. In this case, officials are reviewing Hodge’s recent calls to determine if exposure played a role in his illness.

Where are St. Lucie County fire stations located?

St. Lucie County Fire District operates several stations throughout Port St. Lucie and the county, including Station 3 on Southwest Ravenswood Lane and Station 10 on Southwest Dalton Circle.

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