Duty of Care

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, St. Lucie County Fire District firefighter-paramedic Austin Hodge, 34, was found unresponsive in his bunk during shift change at Station 9 in Fort Pierce, Florida, and died at the hospital, WFLX and WQCS reported. Hodge had served with the district since July 2017.

The circumstances of his death have not been released. His brother Jarius, also a St. Lucie County Fire District firefighter-paramedic, died in July 2025.

Until more is known, the defenses worth checking are annual medical evaluations and health screening for every member, attention to fatigue and rest on long shifts, working carbon monoxide detection in stations and sleeping quarters, and peer and family support after a loss. These are program and organizational controls, not just individual toughness.

• WFLX
• WQCS