During Labor Day weekend, the Franklin Fire Department dealt with losing one of its own.
Franklin Fire Chief Rocky Garzarek regretfully announced Tuesday the passing of Franklin Firefighter-Paramedic Dimitris “JD” Fotopoulos.
On Sept. 5, the department learned that Fotopoulos, 40, died over the weekend while on a mission trip with his church group in Honduras. He sustained injuries during a motorbike crash.
Fotopoulos served the Franklin Fire Department for nine years beginning in 2007, primarily at Station 2 on Murfreesboro Road. In August he transferred to Station 8 in Westhaven as part of the first crew to staff that new station.
During his time with the department, Fotopoulos earned a Unit Citation for Valorous Conduct in 2010 for rescuing a woman from a house fire. He also earned three Phoenix Awards for saving the lives of three people in cardiac arrest.
A Michigan native, Fotopoulos had previous firefighting experience with the Pontiac Fire Department in Pontiac, Michigan.
“JD was larger than life and never met a stranger,” Garzarek said. “He was recognized among his peers for his excellent attitude and compassion for others. This is a huge loss to our fire department family, and he will be greatly missed.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
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