WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — As the Hickory Fire Department mourns the recent death of one of its own, neighboring departments are stepping in to provide critical support.

Jake Bridges, a 20-year-old firefighter with the Hickory Fire Department, died earlier this week after suffering a medical emergency shortly after returning from a structure fire response, the department said.

In a statement, the Hickory Fire Department said it is grieving the “tragic loss” and extended thanks to the community, partner agencies, and nearby departments for their outpouring of support.

Among those stepping up is the Winston-Salem Fire Department , which announced it is assisting with staffing at Hickory’s rescue company to ensure continued emergency coverage.

“Our personnel will rotate shifts over the com

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