ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — The local first responder community is mourning the loss of a St. Lucie County firefighter.
The St. Lucie County Fire Rescue's benevolent association posted on social media early Wednesday that Jarius Hodge, a firefighter and paramedic, has died.
WATCH BELOW: Fallen firefighter's brother mourns loss, says 'half of me passed away'
In an official statement released by the St. Lucie County Fire District, they said Hodge was a "respected member of our fire family, known for his dedication, professionalism and the kindness he brought to every interaction."
While on his Monday shift, St. Lucie County Fire District Chief Jeff Lee said Hodge felt sick and was sent home.
On Tuesday, we're told Hodge was taken to the Cleveland Clinic in Tradition, where he later died.
Lee said Hodge was the epitome of what you want as a firefighter and public servant.
The agency is now trying to grapple with the loss of their young hero and brother.
"He was 25-years-old, very healthy young man ... with his whole life and career ahead of him," Lee said. "It's just beyond words. It's sad."
Lee said Hodge's passing will be treated with full honors. Details about a service haven't been released.
The cause of Hodge's illness is not known at this time.
WPTV reporter Tyler Hatfield spoke with his brother, Austin Hodge, who is a fellow firefighter in the county.
"I love him," said Austin Hodge. “Probably, sometimes more than I love myself.”
Austin Hodge said they were close at an early age.
"We had this bond at birth," said Hodge. "I'm 8 years older than him. I used to change his diapers."
Hodge said he was also a brother in service.
"He wanted to work for the same county," said Hodge. "We worked the same shift every day."
Now, Fire Station 3, where Jarius worked, is under purple and black to honor his passing.
Austin Hodge said his brother was his best friend.
"When he passed away [Tuesday], half of me passed away," said Hodge.
When Hodge was taken to the Cleveland Clinic in Tradition, his brother got to the hospital as fast as possible.
"I was there quickly,” said Austin Hodge. ‘It was a big storm. It took me forever to get there."
Before Jarius passed away, he spoke about the fear he felt.
"He told me how scared he was," Austin Hodge said. "He wanted me to help him, and I told him that I’d be there on his side."
Austin said like any younger brother, Jarius wanted to be like him.
"He had his hair braided, just like I did," said Hodge. "He had tattoos."
They both served for a purpose.
"We wanted to make our family proud," said Hodge. "We wanted to make our mother proud."
Both served for a community and place they love.
"We wanted to give back to a community that's given us so much," said Hodge.
Austin said he’s now serving in Jarius' memory.
"He's gonna be forever in my heart," said Hodge. "I'm gonna carry his legacy."
The Indian River County Sheriff's Office was among the agencies that expressed its condolences on its Facebook page.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office also expressed its condolences on social media to Hodge's family and St. Lucie County Fire Rescue.
