Franklin, Va.-- While leading an auto extrication demonstration during Franklin's Patriot Day Celebration this past weekend, 19-year-old John Paul "J.P." Memory II passed away.
A Carrollton volunteer firefighter and EMT, Memory was assisted during the demonstration by colleagues P.J. Matson, Ben Brower and Marion Pierce.
Memory turned to his colleagues during the demo and remarked that he didn't feel well.
"This was moments before he collapsed," said Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Scott Brower.
"He was excited about participating in the Patriot's Day celebration.
"They attended with plans to participate in the parade, and were later asked to do the extrication demo.
"He called me and asked if it was OK."
According to Brower, Memory was the senior man there representing the department.
Memory received the Firefighter of the Year award last year from his department and the Chief's Award in 2004 for his passion to serve the department and community, and for his leadership skills.
"He was a dynamic leader," said Brower. "He was a friend, a great humanitarian — with a very diverse sense of humor.
"He was dedicated beyond what he had to do, and mature beyond his years."
According to Deputy Chief Mark Carr, of Franklin Fire and Rescue, members of the city department provided Advanced Life Support to Memory.
"CPR was started within a minute," he said, "but, we couldn't revive him."
Carr said while there really is no comfort to be found in a situation such as this, a tiny bit of salvation could be that Memory passed away while doing what he loved to do.
Memory was to attend the Southside Regional Fire Academy in Portsmouth in October. Carr's son knew Memory well and was also scheduled to start at the Academy at the same time.
"To accomplish what (Memory) had accomplished as a firefighter and EMT, and to make the determination that he was going to make that commitment of 20 weeks training at the Fire Academy, he had to have a love for it," said Carr.
According to Brower, Memory did not have a prior heart condition.
"He was not previously diagnosed with a heart condition," he said.
"The autopsy revealed that he had something known as cardiomyopathy. From what I understand, his was caused by a virus, and can fester quickly.
"The autopsy was unable to reveal how long he had it."
Brower said that while area units were taking calls to assist Carrollton VFD during a period of mourning, Carrollton is now starting to respond to calls.
"The City of Suffolk is still providing help with ambulances," he said. "We want to thank everyone who assisted.
"J.P. is going to be severely missed, not just as a member of the department, but as a friend to every member of the department."
Republished with permission of the Tidewater News.
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