MEMPHIS, Tenn. — First responders from several Mid-South agencies came to pay their respects to Lt. Rodney Eddins at a visitation Thursday evening.
WREG saw vehicles from the Memphis Fire Department, Memphis Police Department and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office arrive at Bellevue Baptist Church. Firefighters also hoisted a large American flag over one entrance to the church, attached to Memphis Fire Department trucks.
Eddins collapsed while responding to a house fire on Marigold Lane late Saturday night.
He died at age 57, after dedicating 30 years to the Memphis Fire Department. He worked at Fire Station 37 in Westwood.
Coworkers told WREG that Eddins was laid-back and positive.
“You rarely run into people where everyday they come to work, you see a smile on their face, and that was him. When he came in, he smiled, he joked, you know, he kind of let you know that the day is going to be okay,” said MFD driver Charlie Tate.
The visitation took place from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
His funeral is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. at Bellevue. Memphis Fire released the route of his funeral procession from Bellevue Baptist Church to West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, passing by Fire Station 52. Those who would like to view the procession can gather at Winchester Road and Kirby Parkway.
