Georgia Firefighter Dies in Explosion While Battling Truck Blaze: 'His Legacy Will Forever Inspire Us'

Chris Eddy was "always ready to help, always willing to teach, and always ready to respond," said Morgan County Fire Chief Garret Smith

A beloved Georgia firefighter was killed in the line of duty this week after an explosion while battling a truck fire.

The Greene County Board of Commissioners said in a post on Facebook that Greene County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Chris Eddy — who was assigned to the county's Station 11 — died on Wednesday, Sept 4. At the time, Greene County Fire Rescue shared in a public statement that it had "no words right now" and that Eddy's fellow firefighters were "truly in disbelief."

"Pray for our department over the next few days and weeks ahead," the initial Facebook note read. "RIP Chief Eddy!

Eddy was killed in an explosion while battling a truck fire, according to Fox affiliate WAGA, The Union-Recorder and The Morgan County Citizen, as well as a fundraiser in honor of the late firefighter.

Before 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday, fire crews were called to Athens Highway at Lick Skillet Road near Greensboro, per WAGA, where an explosion took place.

Per the Citizen, an official said the "violent explosion" happened when the back of a trailer was opened.

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“At the present time we do not know all the details surrounding the incident, however I feel confident in the coming weeks we will learn more about all that occurred resulting in this tragic event,” Morgan County Fire Chief Garret Smith said in a statement, per the Citizen. “I ask that we allow the investigation into the circumstances to unfold and resist speculating and spreading inaccurate information.”

Smith added that Eddy was "a fireman’s fireman" — someone who was "always ready to help, always willing to teach, and always ready to respond."

According to WAGA and The Union-Recorder, an autopsy will determine his cause of death.

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The fundraiser, set up via the Yard Foundation, noted that his "courage and unwavering commitment to serving the community will never be forgotten." More than $19,000 of its $25,000 goal has been raised as of Friday, Sept. 6.

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"Chief Eddy’s loss is deeply felt by his family, friends, and the entire firefighting community," the page read. "We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time as we honor the legacy of this courageous firefighter who gave his life in service to others."

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Eddy first started working for Greene County Fire Rescue in 2019, before his promotion to battalion chief in 2021, per ABC affiliate WSB-TV.

Green County Fire Rescue shared in a Facebook post that Eddy's family includes his wife Lindsey and son Bryson, while sharing a touching video compilation featuring images of Eddy.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our brother, but even more so by the loss of an incredible leader," GCFR wrote. "Battalion Chief Eddy touched so many lives, and his legacy will forever inspire us. Thank you for standing by the men and women of GC Public Safety as we honor his memory."

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