Moore County firefighters left early Saturday morning for Hickory to provide assistance to the Hickory Fire Department after the unexpected death of one of their firefighters.
On Thursday, 20-year-old Jake Bridges returned to the Hickory station around 5 a.m., where he suffered a medical emergency that resulted in his death.
Other WRAL Top Stories
“It is with a heavy heart that I deliver the news that no fire chief ever wants to deliver,” said Hickory Fire Chief Matt Hutchison. “Yesterday we lost one of our own, Hickory Firefighter Jake Bridges, while on duty. We are working with our state partner agencies to gain a better understanding of this tragedy.”
Fire departments from across the state stepped up to provide relief for the Hickory staff while they mourn the loss of Bridges.
Firefighters from Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Pinehurst left around 6:30 a.m. to make the drive toward Hickory.
The firefighters from Southern Pines Fire & Rescue are Matt Manovsky and Gregg Padgett.
Colton Wright and Lieutenant Preston Williams come from Aberdeen Fire & Rescue.
Captain Austin Majors represents Pinehurst Fire Department.
They will be working a 48-hour shift at Hickory Station 6 to allow the firefighters there time off.