JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Funeral services have been made for a Jacksonville firefighter, killed in a tragic tree-trimming accident.
The firefighters inside Station 4 say the building will never be the same without Jason Bishop. One of their own was killed in a freak accident on the Southside. Many say Bishop was much more than just a fellow fire fighter.
“He was a great friend,” said Josh Montoro with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. “Somebody I could call if I was in a jam and he'd drop everything and come help me out.”
When Bishop wasn't suited up with JFRD, he and his dad trimmed trees. Police say Bishop was cutting a branch on an oak tree in the 13000 block of Mallorca Dr. before he fell Saturday.
“The branch swung like a pendulum hit the tree the tree snapped. And when it hit the tree, it snapped and fell to the ground,” said Sgt. Dan Janson with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Bishop fell some 30 feet from where he was strapped to the tree. He was taken to UF and Shands Jacksonville and it didn't take long for Jacksonville's firefighting community to show their support. It was an emotional scene, as dozens surrounded his flag-draped body as it left the hospital.
“What I miss the most about Jason is that he was a good friend,” said Montoro. “He was a good firefighter but to me he was a good buddy."
Back at station 4, firefighters say they may never get used to the idea of Bishop being gone.
“One of my favorite things to do was to come in early and get to spend some quality time with him,” said Heath Mooney with JFRD. “Have some coffee with him and having our talks.”
Funeral services for Bishop will be held Friday, June 8, at 11:00 am at Trinity Baptist Church in Keystone Heights Florida.
Bishop, 39, leaves behind a wife and three children.
The Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters is collecting donations to help the Bishop family.
If you would like to make a donation,
please click on the link below.
http://www.jfrd.com/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=247543
