Today, we honor and remember the life and service of Firefighter Mia Ethridge.
On September 1, 2023, Firefighter Ethridge tragically lost her life from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a working structure fire.

Firefighter Ethridge proudly served as a full-time Firefighter/EMT with Louisa County Fire and EMS and as a dedicated volunteer with the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department. Her passion for the fire service was truly remarkable. The motivation, dedication, and commitment she brought to perfecting her craft will live on forever in the hearts of her brothers and sisters in Louisa County.

Today, ten of Mineral’s volunteers gathered to pay their respects at the site of the crash. In 2002, the Mineral Volunteer Fire Department purchased its first ceremonial bell, which was mounted on the previous Engine-2 to honor the last alarm of fallen firefighters. When that apparatus was wrecked, the bell was salvaged and honorably installed on our newly built Engine-2 to continue its legacy.

At the memorial, our members rendered a solemn salute as the bell tolled five times, repeated three times, to signify Firefighter Mia Ethridge’s ultimate sacrifice.