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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayAustin Hodge, 34, who had served with the department since 2017, died on duty a year after his brother Jarius, also a member of the St. Lucie County Fire District, died while on duty in 2025
October 26, 2026 06:40 AM •
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — A St. Lucie County Fire District firefighter/paramedic passed away on Oct. 23, while on duty, marking the second such loss for the agency in as many years after his brother, also a member of the district, died last year.
Austin Hodge, 34, served with the St. Lucie County Fire District since joining in 2017 and was assigned to Station 9 in Fort Pierce, WPBF reported.
His brother, Jarius, died July 22, 2025, after falling ill while on duty at Station 3. His family said he had the flu, felt weak, and was later rushed to the hospital, where he died hours later.
The department called Hodge’s death a profound loss to the St. Lucie County Fire District and the fire service community, extending its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fellow firefighters during this difficult time.
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.
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