BRANDON, Fla. — Firefighters and paramedics from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue gathered Monday to honor Jared Huprich, who died in May 2023 after 12 years of service with the department. 

Hurprich’s legacy lives beyond his life, though, through the fire department and his donated organs, which helped save eight lives.

“We shared being veterans together, and we shared being firefighters together,” said Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Jerrod Hayes.

Hayes reflected on the passing of his comrade and fellow firefighter, Huprich. Though they shared the same name in pronunciation, they shared an even stronger bond.

“So he would often get on me about my name and say that it’s not spelled correctly, that he was the correctly spelled version, and mine was just done out of a mistake.” said Hayes.

On Monday, Hayes attended a Donate Life event at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, the same hospital where Huprich often brought patients in need. Hayes and other firefighters honored his friend’s act of service beyond his death.

“I truly wish I could have met all the individuals at Jared's organs went to, because I would tell them that if they live half the life that he lived, they will be able to write a book about it to share with generations,” said Hayes.

In 2023, 10 donors at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital saved 16 lives.

The nonprofit organization Donate Life America reports that over 100,000 individuals are waiting for organ transplants. Sixteen people pass away each day while waiting for an organ, the organization reports.

"A lot of people think that they're taking everything with them when they leave this earth. And, you know, why not bless somebody who might not have been blessed with a perfect body or something in the beginning? It's going to be given an opportunity to have a second chance,” Hayes.

In Florida, you can register to be an organ donor online through the state registry or in person at the local DMV.