On Tuesday, June 4th the Vigilant Hose Company was sadden to learn of the passing of Frederick County DFRS Firefighter and VHC Member Drue Jones.

The entire Frederick County and Franklin (PA) County fire services were touched by the impact that FF Jones had on the fire service. He was a larger than life individual who took his role as a professional public safety servant seriously and had the ability to make anyone smile and feel welcomed. Jones was assigned to the Vigilant Hose Company for the last several years.

On Thursday, June 6th a combination of Volunteers and Career Firefighters escorted Drue home on E61 to Emmitsburg and onto Waynesboro, PA for just final resting. VHC traveled along with the Carroll Manor Fire Department where Jones was also assigned prior to being in Emmitsburg. Public Safety agencies from Northern Virginia all the way to Waynesboro were along the roadways to pay their respects to FF Jones. We cannot express our heartfelt appreciation for this display of solidarity and fire service brother/sisterhood. Jones was chauffeured by his shift partner FF Zack Kline from Alexandria, VA.

Upon arrival in Emmitsburg the procession made a brief stop in front of the Vigilant Hose Company where over 100 members of the VHC and Career Firefighters Association L3666 were on hand to pay final respects at Jones' station assignment. About another 100 Emmitsburg residents and visitors lined Main Street to pay their respects as well as the procession continued northwest into Franklin County.

We offer our heartfelt sympathy for Jones' family for the loss of their loved one. Drue will be missed beyond words.

Rest in Peace our Brother.

Thank You to VHC Capt. McKenna and The Catoctin Banner for use of photographs.