Funeral Procession of Jay Hodge

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — A community came together Saturday to honor the life of St. Lucie County firefighter Jarius “Jay” Hodge, 25, remembered not only as a first responder, but a devoted son, brother, teammate, and friend.

Jay died last week after falling ill and passing just days before what would have been a routine shift at the firehouse. The ceremony, held at Westside Church, was filled with emotion, tributes, and stories from those who loved him.

The celebration of life began with the national anthem, sung by Muffy Charles, setting a reverent tone for a morning filled with honor, gratitude and grief.

Jay, as his friends and family called him, grew up homeschooled. Chaplain and retired firefighter Lt. Tommy Neiman shared a touching memory of rea

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