Franklin County VA dies during brutal windstorm www.privateofficer.com
Franklin County VA July 3 2012 County officials have announced that a firefighter critically injured during Friday night’s brutal windstorm has died.
Firefighter and EMT John Echternach Jr., 54, died today, according to a release issued by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Echternach was injured when a tree fell on him as he helped a motorist Friday.
The sheriff’s office said he was a member of the Boones Mill Fire-EMS Department and the Franklin County Department of Public Safety since June 2003.
Echternach was also an academic coordinator of clinical education at Jefferson College of Health Sciences and an assistant professor in the physical therapist assistant department.
He joined the faculty in January but officials said his family had a long history with the school.
“His father is part of the advisory board for the physical therapy program,” said college spokesman Mark Lambert. “His wife taught with the program in different capacities for almost 20 years. They’ve been very involved with the college for quite a while.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced later this week
