Longtime TN Firefighter Dies from COVID-19

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A longtime Tennessee firefighter died of COVID-19 complications over the weekend, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

John Howell Clift, a firefighter with Knoxville's Rural Metro Fire Department, had contracted the virus shortly before Thanksgiving, the USFA stated in an alert Thursday. He was hospitalized in early December and passed away Saturday.

Clift, 64, had been with the fire department for more than 40 years, according to his obituary. He had been vice president of special assets for Sun Trust Bank before retiring after 33 years.

Clift is survived by his wife, Pam, and two children.