Milwaukee Fire Department mourns loss of devoted member, Darrin Jones
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Members of the Milwaukee Fire Department paid their respects to one of their own.
Darrin Jones, 53, served nearly three decades on the department. He died unexpectedly on Feb. 1.
Friday, a procession of fire trucks escorted his casket to the Krause Funeral Home for the visitation.
“Everybody’s missing Darrin,” said Brent Jones, Lieutenant with MFD.
For 29 years, Jones dedicated his life to giving back as a firefighter for the City of Milwaukee. His colleagues called him, “Superman,” and say it won’t be same without him. “Very animated, you knew when he was in the room, and the laughing, the jokes,” Brent said.
Jones worked at Fire Station No. 12 on the city’s south side as part of the Incident Command Center. He was due to retire in May, but was on temporary leave due to an injury.
“The fact that they go into a building, they don’t know what they’re gonna walk into. What health issues they’re gonna have. We should take care of them,” said Timothy Nelson of Oak Creek.
Although Jones died off-duty, the MFD Honor Guard is treating it as a line-of-duty death. They’re asking the public to show his wife, and family the same support. “I think it would mean a lot to Pauline to see the street lined with the general public,” Brent said.
Gov. Tony Evers ordered flags to be flown at half-staff as a show of respect for the fallen firefighter. “Darrin was a dedicated member of the Milwaukee Fire Department, selflessly serving his community for nearly three decades,” said Gov. Evers. “He's remembered by his friends and colleagues for his sense of humor, enthusiasm, and passion for the work and for the people he served. My condolences are with the entire Jones family and his family at the Milwaukee Fire Department.”
In a statement, the Jones family said:
"The Jones family is grateful for all the outpouring of love and support received during this time of extreme sadness and shock. We know Darrin is looking down and is proud of his fellow firefighters and community who are stepping in to help his family in his absence. Darrin’s kind heart and generosity are evidenced by the amount of sentiments and support shown."
For information on Darrin's home-going service, CLICK HERE.