The body of missing Nashville firefighter Jesse Reed has been recovered in Humphreys County.
Reed went missing in the Tennessee River on March 6 after his vehicle was submerged.
The search for Reed lasted 12 days. He was found around 11:15 a.m. Saturday in a cove about a half mile from where his vehicle went into the water.
We are sending our Engine 2 to the Davidson County line to meet our brother Firefighter Jesse Reed. He worked on Engine 2 A-Shift. #RIP
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) March 17, 2018
The 32-year-old had been assigned to Engine 2 A-Shift. He joined the Nashville Fire Department in October 2013. Reports stated he was an advanced EMT, as well as hazmat, rope rescue, and vehicle extrication qualified.
Officials at the fire department said they are heartbroken over the loss of Reed.
Nashville Fire Department Director Chief William Swann released the following statement:
“My heart is heavy and I grieve for the loss of our brother Firefighter Jesse Reed. I want to commend and thank the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office and all the volunteers from near and far who came to search for Jesse. Every day Jesse came on shift he put his life on the line to serve the people of Nashville and to make sure that his fellow firefighters were safe. Our prayers go to Firefighter Reed’s wife and his entire family.”
The fire department also asked everyone to keep Reeds’s family and fellow Nashville Fire Department family in their thoughts and prayers.
In a show of support Saturday afternoon, firefighters escorted Reed's body back to Nashville.
"It's like a family," Assistant Fire Chief Walter Demonbreun said. "You've lost a member of your family."
Photos: Officials Escort Jesse Reed's Body To Nashville
Demonbreun knew Reed. He said they were touched by the outpouring of support.
"We're all brothers and sisters," Demonbreun said. "We got together and stood on the overpasses and showed him our respects."
From Humphreys County to Davidson County, Jesse Reed was never alone.
"Coming out the interstate, every overpass, every exit," Demonbreun said. "There was a fellow firefighter that's there."
Engine 2 stayed by his side. The same engine the 32-year-old rode for five years risking his life to save others.
"He would have done the same for us… for anybody," Demonbreun said.
At every bridge, firefighters from across Nashville were saluting.
"It's the least we can do is be here for him and his family," Demonbreun said.
It was their time to say goodbye.
"They knew the route. They heard us coming. They stood by for us," Demonbreun said.
At the medical examiner's office, firefighters stood with their hands on their hearts as the ambulance drove into the parking lot.
"It was an act of love. Every woman, man in the fire service... every one of them did it without even being asked," Demonbreun said.
So as a sense of closure sets in, engine 2 will ride away with one less passenger.
"It's very emotional, and it's a trying time in the fire department," Demonbreun said.
The cause of Reed's death has not been released, and an autopsy has been planned.
"He's been a great guy, and a good man to work with," Demonbreun said.
The TBI has been assisting the Humphreys County Sheriff's Office with the investigation.
According to our sources, authorities have been looking into whether Reed's wife played a role in his death.
Mayor Briley also posted to twitter expressing his condolences.
After a long search, the Humphreys County Sherriff’s Office recovered Firefighter Jesse Reed’s body. Our hearts are with his family and his brothers and sisters at @NashvilleFD.
— Mayor David Briley (@MayorBriley) March 17, 2018
