Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department firefighter James Crews. | Nassau County Sheriff's Office
Published on April 24, 2026 at 3:08 pm
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A volunteer firefighter died while fighting the Old Dixie Highway wildfire on Thursday, according to the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department.
Firefighters were suppressing brushfires just south of Henry Smith Road in Hilliard when firefighter James Crews had a medical emergency just before 5:30 p.m. Thursday. He was taken to a hospital and died just before 7 p.m., fire officials said.
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Crews, 59, was a two-year veteran of Hilliard’s volunteer fire department, assigned to Station 4 on Pecan Street. He began his firefighting career in Ware County, Georgia.
In a statement issued Friday, Hilliard Volunteer Fire Chief Jerry Johnson said the department is focused on supporting Crews’ family and their personnel during this “unimaginably difficult time.”
“Kevin was the epitome of courage and dedication. His sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Johnson said.
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Town and volunteer fire department officials are working with the Sheriff’s Office and state investigators to determine what happened. The Florida Forest Service says the 0.75-acre fire, one of five in western Nassau County this week, is 100% contained.
Hilliard’s volunteer fire department was founded in 1954. Thirteen trained volunteers staff the department. They support Nassau County Fire Rescue’s Station 40 with wildland fire capabilities.
No memorial services are scheduled yet.
