Firefighter James "Kevin" Crews - Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department - Florida
Our prayers and condolences go out to the Hilliard Fire Department (Florida) as well as to the family of Firefighter James “Kevin” Crews who died in the line of duty on April 23, 2026.
Firefighter James "Kevin" Crews was a 59-year-old volunteer firefighter for the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department and he experienced a medical emergency while battling a brush fire during brushfire suppression operations on the fifth wildfire to break out in the Hilliard area of Nassau County in the last week. Life-saving measures were immediately provided by on-scene firefighters. Crews was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later died.
Firefighter Crews began his career as a firefighter in Ware County, Georgia. He was a two-year veteran of Hilliard VFD assigned to Station 4.
Town officials said he is remembered by colleagues as a dedicated public servant, well respected by all firefighters, and loved by his community. “Kevin was the epitome of courage and dedication,” Hilliard Volunteer Fire Chief Jerry Johnson said in a statement. “His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The Town of Hilliard and Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department are working closely with Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and state investigative agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident, officials said.
Our prayers and condolences.
