By Rachel Engel
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A member of the ShandsCair Critical Care Transport Program died in an off-duty crash over the weekend.
Wade “Ice Man” Jones, 59, who earned his nickname for his ability to stay calm under pressure, died in a motorcycle crash over the weekend while on vacation in Georgia, The Gainesville Sun reported.
Jones had served as a member of the agency’s flight team since 1995 and had previously worked as an EMT with Alachua County Fire Rescue.
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Colleagues recalled Jones’ passion for the job and his charismatic personality.
“Probably the biggest takeaway from working around Wade was he always had a smile on his face, would always meet you with a hug and always had a cup of coffee,” said Dylan Rodgers, EMS division chief of Bradford County Fire Rescue. “No matter what kind of interaction you had with him, he was always positive and uplifting. For someone that stuck with us for so long a time, I think it says a lot about his love and passion for emergency medical care.”
Jones’ remains were returned by an escorted procession as people lined the streets to pay their respects. Agencies along the route either joined the procession or saluted as it passed said Ed Crews, ShansCair program director.
“These guys came from many different areas and took time out of their day because Wade meant something,” he said. “They got to experience the passion that Wade passed along. They returned the love to Wade and Wade’s family.”
Following the announcement of Jones’ passing, area agencies posted words of support for his family and colleagues on social media.
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