A Metro Nashville firefighter was laid to rest, surrounded by family and friends.
Jesse Reed was found nearly two weeks after he went missing in the Tennessee River in Humphreys County in March.
Friday was a somber day as family, friends, and first responder brothers and sisters celebrated Reed's life.
"The past 17 days have been very difficult for our family," Reed's brother, Jason Reed, said. "Our first 12 days were devoted to an exhaustive desire to bring Jesse home. The past five days have been solemn in preparing for today."
After Reed's car plunged into the Tennessee River on March 6, more than 500 people from 40 agencies in three states stepped in to help find him. They searched for 12 days until they found his body.
"Our family is forever grateful for the selfless, compassionate acts dedicated by everyone who assisted with this effort," Reed said.
He's remembered as a loving husband, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and a hero dedicated to the fire department.
"I think, for me at least, Jesse Reed was always quiet, but when he spoke, then he always had something funny to say, but very serious about what he did," Nashville Fire Department Director Chief William Swann said.
While Friday brought closure, the heartbreak of Reed's untimely death will be felt for much longer.
"We've lost Jesse Reed and, again, the department will move forward," Chief Swann said, "but he won't be forgotten."
