St. Lucie County firefighter Jarius Hodge is being honored by the community after his sudden passing at age 25, with a funeral procession and memorial events reflecting his dedication to public service. News of his tragic on-duty illness and passing has deeply impacted local residents.
Funeral Arrangements for St. Lucie County Firefighter Jarius Hodge
The funeral for Jarius Hodge, a respected member of the St. Lucie County Fire District, will take place on Saturday following his unexpected death on July 22, 2025. The community continues to mourn the unexpected loss of this dedicated firefighter and show support to his family and colleagues.
The service will begin at noon at Westside Church, located at 3361 S Jenkins Road in Fort Pierce.
After the ceremony, a funeral procession will allow the public to pay their respects to the late firefighter.
Funeral Procession Route in Fort Pierce
The funeral procession for Jarius Hodge is scheduled from 1:30 to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Residents of St. Lucie County and Fort Pierce are invited to gather along the route to honor his service.
- East on Edwards Road
- North on 25th Road
- North on US Highway 1
- Ending at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens at 6026 U.S. Highway 1, near Fort Pierce
Community members are encouraged to show support by standing on sidewalks and roadside areas along the procession.
Community Response and Official Statements
The St. Lucie County Fire District released an official statement describing Jarius Hodge as a “respected member of our fire family, known for his dedication, professionalism and the kindness he brought to every interaction.”
At this time, the cause of his sudden death has not been made public.
J. Hodge Legacy Challenge: First Responders Honor Their Colleague
To commemorate Hodge’s life and commitment to fitness, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office under the leadership of Sheriff Richard Del Toro and the St. Lucie County Fire District organized the inaugural J. Hodge Legacy Challenge at the Sgt. Gary Morales Training Complex.
This hero workout brought together local first responders to honor Hodge’s legacy through athletic activity, reflecting his values of resilience, discipline, and unity.
Fitness as a Core Value in Jarius Hodge’s Life
According to colleagues, fitness was central to Hodge’s daily routine. The partner-style workout was designed to mirror his dedication to teamwork and perseverance.
Lt. Matt Coney of the Fire District explained, “Athletic events and perspiring is one of the best ways we know how to move forward.” The event provided a meaningful outlet for mourning and remembrance.
How the Public Can Honor Jarius Hodge
Residents of St. Lucie County are invited to line the funeral procession route to pay tribute to Hodge’s service and sacrifice.
Community support is an important way to honor the memory of local first responders like Hodge, who dedicated their careers to protecting others.
Key Locations for Memorial Events
- Westside Church: 3361 S Jenkins Road, Fort Pierce
- Hillcrest Memorial Gardens: 6026 U.S. Highway 1, near Fort Pierce
- Sgt. Gary Morales Training Complex: Site of the J. Hodge Legacy Challenge
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie County Firefighter Jarius Hodge
What happened to St. Lucie County firefighter Jarius Hodge?
Jarius Hodge, a 25-year-old firefighter with the St. Lucie County Fire District, passed away suddenly on July 22, 2025, after a brief illness. The exact cause of his death has not been released.
How can the public honor firefighter Jarius Hodge?
Community members can honor Hodge by attending the funeral procession, standing along the route, and participating in memorial events organized by local first responders.
Where will the funeral procession for Jarius Hodge take place?
The procession will begin at Westside Church in Fort Pierce, travel east on Edwards Road, north on 25th Road, north on US Highway 1, and end at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
Are there other ways to support first responders in St. Lucie County?
Residents can support first responders by participating in community events, expressing gratitude, and staying informed about local initiatives honoring their service.
Can you attend the J. Hodge Legacy Challenge?
The J. Hodge Legacy Challenge is organized for first responders, but the community can support by following updates and recognizing the importance of fitness and unity among local firefighters and law enforcement.
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