A St. Lucie County Fire District firefighter who died unexpectedly Saturday morning has been identified as Austin Hodge, a firefighter paramedic and nine-year veteran of the department.
The fire district announced Hodge was found unresponsive in his bunk during a shift change. He was taken to the hospital and passed away.
“Today, our St. Lucie County Fire District family mourns the loss of one of our own,” the district said in a statement.
In the hours following his death, firefighters, the department’s Honor Guard and fellow first responders gathered to honor Hodge and support one another. The district said the response reflected the strong bond shared throughout the fire service.
The district thanked the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Pierce Police Department, Port St. Lucie Police Department and peer support teams from Martin and Indian River counties for providing assistance and standing alongside firefighters during the difficult day.
“Together, they offered strength, compassion, and support while ensuring Austin was honored with the dignity and respect he deserves,” the district said.
The district said its thoughts are with Hodge’s family, loved ones and everyone who served alongside him. They respectfully ask that Hodge’s family be given privacy during this time.
“We are deeply grateful to our fellow first responders and community for the outpouring of support during this tremendous loss,” the district said. “Today and always, we stand together.”
The tragedy comes more than a year after the community mourned the sudden loss of his brother, Jarius Hodge, 26, who was also a St. Lucie County firefighter and died from septic shock in July 2025.
The district said it will share information on funeral and memorial services in coordination with the family when it becomes available.