ROCKY MOUNT, Va. — The memorial service for a Va. firefighter crushed by a tree was held Saturday.
According to the Roanoke Times, a large turnout consisting of old Boy Scout friends, family and fellow responders came to say goodbye to Lt. John Echternach Jr. of Boones Mill Fire Station 7, a man who died as he lived: Helping others.
Responding to a fire, Lt. Echternach came upon a car crushed by a tree. As he stopped to help the trapped motorist, a gust of wind brought another tree down right on top of him. He was critically injured and died Monday.
For Debbie Echternach, it’s “mind-boggling” that her husband was killed by a falling tree. John was an avid outdoorsman and woodworker, she said.
“John helped anyone in need, regardless of their politics, their faith or their behavior,” the Rev. Paul Stutzman told the Times.