By FireRescue1 Staff
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Colleagues are mourning the death of a fellow firefighter who lost his battle against stage four liver cancer.
Savannah Professional Firefighters Association announced the death of firefighter James “Jimmy” Perez, 25, Friday. Perez leaves behind his wife and two children.
“It is a tough day for us,” Local 574 vice president Johnny Hinton told WTOC. “We began the day celebrating a holiday but we do it with heavy hearts, knowing that we not only lost a family man, but a friend and brother.”
Perez’s family was supported through a number of fundraisers put on by the union, including a St. Patrick’s Day T-shirt sale. A GoFundMe account has raised over $10,000 for Perez and his family.
“There was an enormous outpouring of support from the local community that we could have never imagined,” Hinton said. “We must move ahead knowing we have everyone around us and the community’s support.”
Prior to serving the Savannah Fire and Emergency Services, Perez worked as a volunteer firefighter for the Richmond Hill Fire Department. He joined the fire service when he was 18 and wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“He was a loving father and husband,” the Richmond Hill Fire Department wrote on Facebook. “He was always a joy to have around, and he will forever be remembered.”
Services for Perez will be held March 25 and 26.
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