Motorbike Crash Claims Life of Local Firefighter

franklin firefighter

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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