‘Obviously a big loss’ as Central Illinois first responders bid farewell to 23-year-old firefighter

GRIDLEY (25News Now) – A 23-year-old Central Illinois man who dedicated his life to serving others was laid to rest in El Paso on Saturday.

Normal firefighter Ethan Jeffreys was remembered as a ‘rising star’ in emergency services before passing away from stomach cancer.

Jeffreys began his EMS career with the Illinois National Guard before joining his hometown El Paso Emergency Squad. He then joined the Normal Fire Department, and shortly after was diagnosed with cancer.

Firefighters from across the area attended his funeral at Christ Community Church in Gridley. After the service, he was buried in El Paso’s Evergreen Cemetery.

“Obviously a big loss, he was one of the people that rose to the top on our list to hire firefighters. We really thought he had a lot of promise and a great future with the fire department,” said Chief Mick Humer of the Normal Fire Department.

Jeffreys was buried with full honors by the Illinois National Guard and Normal Fire Department. Firefighters from Bloomington and Peoria covered for Normal firefighters so they could attend the funeral.

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