Two GA Firefighters Die Of COVID-19 Complications

GEORGIA — Two Georgia firefighters died over the weekend from COVID-19.

The Temple Police Department announced on its Facebook page Monday that Carroll County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Tommy Hopson had died of COVID. Hopson was a longtime resident of Temple, according to the post.

“Tommy’s battle with Covid has come to an end and our Lord God has called him home,” the post read. “Please show his family, blood and red how much we love them.” The color on the department’s official patch is a vibrant red.

By Monday afternoon, more than 120 Facebook followers had paid their respects to Hopson.

“Tommy Hopson was one of the best men I ever met,” wrote one. “He was always so funny, and he loved his job.”

“I have known Tommy Hopson his whole life,” wrote another. “He was a good one and will be missed by everyone who knew him. He loved his job and he did it with pride. Heaven sure did gain another angel tonight.”

Hopson had been with the Carroll County fire department for more than 30 years and was promoted to deputy chief less than a year ago, according to WXIA-TV in Atlanta.

Another first responder taken by COVID-19 is Tim Watson, a firefighter and EMT with Barrow County Emergency Services who died Sunday evening due to complications from COVID-19. Watson joined the Barrow department in 2015, according to a Facebook post, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army and the National Guard.

More than 150 Facebook followers had commented on the Watson post by mid-afternoon Monday.

“I prayed you were stubborn enough to beat this,” wrote one. “God speed brother. Hold you 10-7 for the remainder." The code 10-7 means "out of service."

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced for either firefighter.