ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A St. Lucie County firefighter-paramedic died while on duty Saturday, more than a year after his younger brother, who also served as a firefighter-paramedic, died at age 26.
The St. Lucie County Fire District announced the line-of-duty death of Austin Hodge on Saturday, Oct. 24, calling his death a “profound loss” to the department and the fire service community.
Hodge joined the district on July 17, 2017, and served the community for more than nine years. He was assigned to Station 9.
Neighboring Indian River County Fire Rescue also shared condolences following the firefighter’s unexpected death Saturday morning.
The St. Lucie County Fire District asked the public to respect Hodge’s family as they grieve. Information about memorial arrangements will be shared as details are finalized.
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Brothers shared a career in firefighting
Austin Hodge’s death comes more than a year after his younger brother, Jarius Hodge, also a St. Lucie County firefighter-paramedic, died on July 22, 2025.
The brothers shared a close bond and a passion for serving their community.
“This was my best friend, my twin,” Austin Hodge previously told CBS12 News. “We had the same tattoos. We had the same hairstyle.”
He described Jarius as someone who loved his family and his work as a first responder.
“He loved going to work, loved working beside me. I loved working beside him,” Austin said. “He always pushed me to keep going. He was someone who loved his family, his community and his country.”
Family sought accountability after Jarius’ death
In an interview with CBS12 News, Austin said Jarius became ill after catching the flu from a patient at work in July 2025.
Austin said his younger brother went to Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie on July 22, struggling to breathe, but died hours later.
He alleged that medical staff made critical errors in treating his brother, including taking three attempts to intubate him. He said Jarius had been healthy before becoming ill.
Austin also spoke publicly about Florida’s medical malpractice laws, arguing that restrictions on who can pursue certain wrongful-death claims prevented his family from seeking legal accountability for Jarius’ death.
“This is unjust, and it’s been going on for too long,” Austin said in the earlier interview.
He emphasized that his family was seeking accountability rather than financial compensation.
“For me personally, for my family, this has nothing to do with any type of dollar,” he said. “We just want those physicians to be held accountable.”
The circumstances surrounding Austin Hodge’s death have not been released.
The St. Lucie County Fire District said additional information about ways to honor his service will be shared in coordination with his family.