Firemen stand guard in honor of their fallen brother
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MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — Firemen stand guard in front of fallen firefighter Chris Blankenship’s family home. “We’re going to do our very best to honor him the way he deserves to be honored,” Madison County Fire Marshal Don Friddle said. With badges covered, the department stands in honor of a man who gave his life to serve and protect his community. “We’re just standing by there and showing support. If they need anything, we’re there for them and maybe giving them a little comfort to have somebody there that cares about them,” Chief Eric Turner said. Blankenship died Sunday morning from injuries he suffered responding to a call. A tree fell on top of him, and first responders had to cut the tree off of him and administer CPR. He was taken to the hospital and died hours later. Chief Turner said the firefighters have been reflecting on good times to deal with their loss. “He was just a vital part of the department at the station. He was wholeheartedly involved,” Chief Turner explained. Whether on a call or just keeping the station clean, the department said the Station 2 volunteer firefighter was doing what he loved. “He loved the fire service and from the response we’re getting from departments across the state and across the nation, the fire service loves Chris as well,” Friddle said. As firefighters have committed themselves to standing guard at the family home until Blankenship is laid to rest, that just goes to show the strength of their brotherhood. “You know you’ve got a great department, but when something bad happens, people step up,” Chief Turner said. Firefighter Blankenship was married and had two children. To contribute to a memorial fund for Chris Blankenship, you can visit or send donations to either location of Resource Federal Credit Union in Jackson. Checks should be made payable to Resource Federal or Ashley Chism Blankenship. The credit union locations are: 263 North Highland Avenue 38305 525 Old Hickory Boulevard 38301
