The Lake Country community is reeling from the tragic loss of a great firefighter. Greene County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Chris Eddy was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 4 while putting out a tractor-trailer fire on Hwy. 15 north of Greensboro.
According to a press release from the Greene County Board of Commissioners, Eddy started as a county firefighter in 2019 when Greene first transitioned GCFR into a paid county department.
Later, in 2021, when Greene County expanded the department to staff five engines to provide fire protection countywide, Eddy rose from firefighter to battalion chief.
“He was well-loved and respected,” the press release said. “Eddy never minded going the extra mile, and as an EMT-I would be willing to help out on an ambulance whenever he was needed.”
The press release said that Eddy had been a firefighter since he was old enough to volunteer at Woodville Volunteer Fire Department.
Before starting with GCFR, he worked as a paid firefighter with the Putnam County Fire Department and the Old Salem Fire Rescue Department for almost 12 years.
As a Buckhead resident, he also worked as a part-time firefighter in Morgan County and as a volunteer for Fire Station 4 in Buckhead.
Eddy grew up in Greene County and graduated from Nathanael Greene Academy. He leaves behind a wife, Lindsey, and a son, Bryson.
The community, including many public safety agencies from around the state and country, flooded Facebook with tributes in the wake of his death.
In Georgia, the Hart County, Barrow County, and Social Circle fire departments, as well as the Gilmer County Fire Marshal’s Office, sent love and prayers. Dothan, Alabama’s fire department, and fire departments as far away as Los Angeles also sent messages to their fellow firefighters.
“On behalf of the brothers and sisters of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, we send our deepest heartfelt condolences,” the Los Angeles department commented on Facebook.
“He was absolutely amazing, and the world was a better place thanks to him,” community member Landon York commented.
The greater community also honored Eddy and his family in many other ways. Several area fire departments and law enforcement agencies jumped in to help Greene and Morgan counties. In contrast, Lake Country’s fire departments escorted Eddy’s body down I-20 to the crime lab in Atlanta and home again. They also helped out while Lake Country honored Eddy at his funeral on Sunday.
During Eddy's funeral, Gov. Brian Kemp also ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff at the State Capitol building and in Morgan and Greene.
“Our hearts are with the entire Greene County Fire Department and community, especially Chief Chris Eddy’s family and loved ones,” Kemp said on Facebook.
At the same time, Kemp honored Eddy’s memory and heroic actions.
“[We] would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who reached out with their condolences for Battalion Chief Chris Eddy,” GCFR said of the community’s help on Facebook. “Your kind words and support mean the world to us during this difficult time. We are especially thankful for all those who stepped in to help cover duties – your efforts do not go unnoticed."
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our brother, but even more so by the loss of an incredible leader,” they added. “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. Please keep his wife, Lindsey, son, Bryson, and the rest of his family in your thoughts and prayers as we all try to begin this new life without him."
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Morgan County Fire Rescue (MCFR) thanked the community for its support and prayers.
Morgan Fire Chief Garret Smith said his department is fortunate to have Blake Stinnett of Next Rung on staff. Next Rung is an organization dedicated to helping firefighters cope with mental issues that sometimes crop up as they deal with unpleasant circumstances and tragedy over time.
The department has also sought spiritual help from Kenny Ridling of Sandy Creek Church.
Smith also said a cross had been erected at the accident scene to pay tribute to Eddy.
“Honoring a fallen firefighter that had a great passion for serving and helping others,” MCFR added about Eddy on Facebook. “Please continue to pray for his family, friends and fellow firefighters.”
People wishing to support Eddy’s family in this difficult time also have many ways to donate.
A donation page has been set up on The Yard Foundation, a national charity that assists firefighters and their families. Those wishing to donate can visit bit.ly/3XvoZzi, and comments for his family are welcomed on his donor wall. As of Sept. 10, $44,848.52 has been raised, surpassing the $25,000 goal.
“We kindly ask for your support through donations, and every single penny goes directly to Chief Eddy’s loved ones as they navigate this painful journey,” The Yard Foundation said on the page. “Chief Eddy’s loss is deeply felt by his family, friends, and the entire firefighting community. 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. His courage and unwavering commitment to serving the community will never be forgotten.”
Community members can also donate through local fundraisers.
One fundraiser is selling memorial bracelets for $15 each to raise money to help Eddy’s son Bryson continue to play baseball, a pastime he and Eddy loved dearly. To find out more about the bracelets, visit bit.ly/3B0eFq6.
Rhoades Farm also sells T-shirts, with proceeds going to Lindsey and Bryson. Those wishing to purchase T-shirts can visit the original post at bit.ly/4e3bY60 and contact Heather or Emma Rhoades to order. Shirts are $25, and as of Sept. 10, Rhoades Farm has sold 519 t-shirts.
“Chris Eddy and his crew saved my daughter’s life when she was in a tragic car accident last year,” Heather said about the fundraiser. “He was a good man, lost in a tragic accident far too soon. We are happy to contribute to his family's support in any way possible. We are all just walking each other home.”