Hundreds of mourners paid their final respects to a longtime Hernando County first responder. 

  • Longtime Hernando County firefighter dies on duty
  • Steven R. Terry died Oct. 16
  • Terry was a 25-year veteran firefighter/paramedic and a veteran

According to Hernando County Fire Rescue, Steven R. Terry died on the evening of Oct. 16 while on duty. He was 53. 

Funeral services were held at the Northcliffe Baptist Church in Spring Hill Tuesday. A funeral procession then traveled to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. 

Officials said Terry, a 25-year veteran firefighter/paramedic in Hernando County, had a medical emergency while on duty. He was found unresponsive by his fellow Fire Station #9 crew members who then initiated resuscitative measures.  

He was transported by HCFR paramedics to Bayfront Brooksville Hospital. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, Terry died a short time later. 

Terry also was a 20-year plus active member of the military. 

On Oct. 23, one day before Terry's planned funeral service, we spoke to one of Terry's colleagues from Hernando County Fire Rescue about how Terry will be remembered.

"Steve was a fun-loving individual, very good friend, said firefighter Alex Lopez. "If there was an opportunity to help somebody, he was there for them."

Members of the department also told us that in the days since Terry's passing, the community has rallied around them and Terry's family. They said it was comforting to see and feel that kind of support as they prepared to lay their friend to rest.

"It is inspiring to see the community come together both professionally and private," Lopez said. "And it just goes to show that people really do appreciate the services of our first responders. It's really heartwarming."

His most recent post was at the Florida Army National Guard 1-111th Aviation Regiment out of Cecile Field. He held the rank of First Sergeant. His firefighting career started in 1993 with Pasco County Fire Rescue. He Joined Spring Hill Fire Rescue in 2001 and continued to serve honorably with HCFR. 

Terry is survived by his wife Jennifer, sons Anthony, Jason, Zachary and Kevin, daughter Olivia and his mother Judy Binzel.