It was a solemn morning Tuesday in Spring Hill as members of Hernando County Fire Rescue laid one of their own to rest.
- Firefighters, law enforcement, military lined Spring Hill streets
- Terry died while on duty Oct. 16
- Terry had been a firefighter for 25 years, 20 years in military
Hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel lined the streets in Spring Hill to pay tribute to firefighter and paramedic Steven Terry.
He died while on duty last Monday.
"We're not just co-workers -- we're friends, and in the fire service and in the military, we're brothers. And today we lost a brother and it hurts very dearly," Hernando County Fire Rescue Division Chief Alex Lopez said.
Terry had been a firefighter for 25 years and served 20 years in the military. Colleagues describe him as a family man who would do anything to help others.
It wasn't just those in uniform who came to remember Terry. Several groups of school children attended his service, all proudly waving their American flags.
Parents and teachers hoped the students could learn an important lesson.
"Teach them respect for our country, respect for our firefighters, respect for our EMS that work in this line of duty everyday," one parent told us.
They also wanted to be there to show their support for Terry's family members as they mourn his sudden loss.
And while everyone we talked to said today was very difficult, they said it was a touching tribute to a husband, father, colleague, and friend that people in this community won't soon forget.
Terry is survived by his wife and five children. He was 53 years old.