The Franklin Fire Department honored one of their own who died in a motorbike crash while on a mission trip to Honduras.
Dimitris "JD" Fotopoulos was a Franklin firefighter-paramedic who worked at the Franklin Fire Department for nine years.
Fotopoulos was injured in a motorbike crash while on a mission trip to Honduras with a group from his church. He died from his injuries over Labor Day weekend.
He had served at Franklin's Station 2 on Murfreesboro Road since 2007. In August he transferred to Station 8 in Westhaven as part of the first crew to staff that new station.
During his time with the department, Fotopoulos earned a Unit Citation for Valorous Conduct in 2010 for rescuing a woman from a house fire. He also earned three Phoenix Awards for saving the lives of three people in cardiac arrest.
A Michigan native, Fotopoulos had previous firefighting experience with the Pontiac Fire Department in Pontiac, MI.
Garzarek said, “JD was larger than life and never met a stranger. He was recognized among his peers for his excellent attitude and compassion for others. This is a huge loss to our fire department family and he will be greatly missed.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
