‘Hearts are heavy’: Georgia firefighter dies from COVID-19

SCREVEN COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia community is mourning the death of a volunteer firefighter who died after battling COVID-19.

Chris Clifton died Wednesday night due to complications from the coronavirus, officials said.

The Sylvania Fire Department said Clifton was an active member of the fire department since 2011 and was also a member of the Screven County Fire Department and Newington Fire Department.

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According to Facebook, Clifton leaves behind a wife and two young children.

“Thank you for your service, Chris. You will be missed by all,” the Sylvania Fire Department said in a Facebook post.

The Screven County Fire Department described Clifton as a dedicated firefighter to the county.

“Please keep his family and fire family in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come,” the fire department said in a Facebook post.

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The Newington Area Volunteer Fire Department said Clifton was one of their most dedicated members.

“His heart was definitely on serving the citizens of our town and the surrounding county,” the department said in a Facebook post.

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