Two Jacksonville Fire Fighters had their names etched in granite at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) 2025 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial. 

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Fire fighters and families from across the United States and Canada gathered in Colorado Springs, under the majesty of Pike’s Peak, to honor over 300 IAFF fire fighters who had fallen in the line of duty in 2024. Two of these fire fighters, Heath O’Shea and Jason Woodruff, were Jacksonville Fire Fighters and members of the Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters Local 122. 

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"There is no greater sacrifice that one of our brothers or sisters can make, and this is but a small token of appreciation and acknowledgement for the families of the fallen," states Kelly Dobson, President of the Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters.

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Engineer Heath J. O’Shea, a devoted community member, caring father, and wonderful friend, passed away at the age of 44 on April 13, 2024. Engineer O’Shea was a 20 year veteran of JFRD and was assigned to Tanker 54. Engineer O’Shea selflessly and honorably served the City of Jacksonville throughout his distinguished career and his passing will forever leave a void in this community.

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Engineer Jason C. Woodruff served on the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department for 11 years and was assigned to Engine19-A. “Woody” was a wonderful human being, let alone an adamant professional when it came to serving his community. He always brought a smile and strived to leave situations better than they were when he found them. He will leave a lasting legacy on all of us, directly or indirectly.

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Leadership from the Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters, along with members of the Jacksonville Fire-Rescue Honor Guard and  Pipes and Drums, accompanied the O’Shea and Woodruff families to the Springs to pay homage to their fallen brothers.

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“It was a humbling experience, to be able to attend the memorial and be there alongside the families of our fallen members,” states Jamie Johnson, JAFF 1st Vice-President. “These families not only supported their loved ones along the way, but paid the ultimate cost of losing them far too soon.”

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O’Shea and Woodruff are the 26th and 27th Jacksonville Fire Fighters to be recognized as Line of Duty Deaths.  

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The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial honors IAFF members who have died in the line of duty. Held annually on the 3rd Saturday in September, the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice are engraved on the Memorial Wall in a ceremony honoring their service and their lives.

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Watch the 2025 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial here.

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