Springfield Fire Co Starts Fund Honoring Late Teenage Firefighter

SPRINGFIELD, PA — A volunteer firefighter with the Springfield Fire Company sadly died at just 17 years old on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Now, the fire company has launched a memorial fund in his honor.

Ethan James Byrne, 17, of Springfield, died unexpectedly on Tuesday.

The dedicated firefighter joined the company at just 14 years old.

When applying to join the fire company, Byrne wrote he "wanted to serve my community and be a part of an important cause."

"Ethan was always willing to do whatever was asked of him, even the jobs no one else wanted, and he did so without a single complaint," a GoFundMe campaign set up in his honor reads. "That speaks to who Ethan was, how he lived his life, and the impact he had on his community, classmates, and its residents. One of the best aspects of our community is that in times of mourning and hardship, we rally to support one another."

The GoFundMe is seeking to raise $5,000. As of Friday afternoon, more than $1,700 has been raised from 44 donors.

Organizers of the campaign said Byrne's friends want to commissioner a memorial bench to be installed outside the fire company.

The fire company itself is looking into starting a scholarship in Byrne's name.

The scholarship will give young people who exemplify Byrne's kindness, dedication, and community spirit the chance to further their education.

"We are asking the residents of Springfield Township to help us memorialize this incredible young man, and help us ensure that while he may be gone, he will never be forgotten," organizers wrote.

See here to contribute to the campaign.

According to Byrne's obituary, a visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 2130 Franklin Ave. in Morton. His funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. in the church.