Our condolences to the Murray family and the Jefferson City, Tennessee Fire Department. FireFighter Shane Murray, 21, a nine month veteran of the Jefferson City Fire Department, died Thursday, March 1, 2002. Shane was operating inside a structure fire on Eastern Street. He died from injuries sustained during the blaze. Investigators are still analyzing the scene but believe an explosion occurred. Three other firefighters were injured including Fire Chief Lee Turner who was airlifted to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga for burns and smoke inhalation.

     Prior to his membership with the Jefferson City Fire Department, Shane served with the Lakeway Central Fire Department for two years. He was employed by the Jefferson City Water Department.

     Our brother Shane leaves behind a mother and stepfather. A visitation will be held Monday, March 4, 2002 from 5-8PM at the First Baptist Churchof Jefferson City, 1610 Russell Avenue, Jefferson City, TN 37760. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 5, 2002, 2PM, at the First Baptist Church of Jefferson City. The Jefferson City Fire Department, with assistance from the Knoxville Fire Department will be providing full department honors. A burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donatations be made to the Jefferson City Fire Department's thermal imaging camera fund. For more information call 865-475-3616 or email jcfdfireinspector@hotmail.com.

     I was notified of this tragedy by Jefferson City FireFighter Robert Miller. Robert has been a contributor to FireFightingLinks.com and has several helmet shields posted in the Helmet Shield gallery, including 2 of the injured firefighters, Fire Chief Lee Turner and FireFighter Sean Cameron.