Lake City fire chief loses battle against COVID-19 – Action News Jax

LAKE CITY, Fla .– The Lake City Fire Department mourns the loss of one of its own. Chief Randy Burnham died of COVID-19 on Sunday, the ministry said on his Facebook page.

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Austin Thomas described Burnham as a dedicated firefighter who has served the community for over 30 years.

“His sense of humor was always very arrogant and very entertaining,” Thomas recalls.

Thomas said Burnham was a man who took his job seriously, but also had a way of bringing joy to those around him.

“He loved to laugh, smile and cut,” added Thomas.

And then Burnham caught COVID-19. Several weeks of ups and downs would ensue, but Burnham was a fighter.

“It seemed to be an upward trend and in his favor for a while,” explained Thomas.

He said things got worse and hours later Burnham’s family told firefighters he was unsuccessful.

“It was very shocking and tragic news,” Thomas said.

COVID-19 continues to be a great threat to those on the front lines. Burnham is among several local first responders who have reportedly lost their battle with the virus.

Thomas said Burnham leaves behind a wife and two sons, one of whom has followed in his father’s footsteps and is himself a firefighter.

The fire department calls on the community to honor Burnham by remembering those on the front lines of COVID-19 every day.

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A tour of Burnham will take place Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fire Station 1 in Lake City. Burnham’s funeral will be on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Christian Fellowship Church.

Lake City Fire said another teammate is fighting for his life. Lt. Jeff McNeal has a serious case of COVID-19, Thomas said.

The department asks the community for their continued support and prayers.

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