Mia Ethridge

Mia Regina Ethridge answered the call to serve her community with the kind of passion and heart that many spend a lifetime searching for. A young woman in her early twenties, she balanced her volunteer roots in the Stafford County Fire & Rescue service while answering a full-time call with Louisa County Department of Fire & EMS. In that short time she became known for her bright-eyed energy, easy smile, and a commitment to learn and serve. She was often among the first to step up — whether training, mentoring newer members, or simply lifting the mood in the firehouse with her lively spirit. Her drive had already set her on a path toward water rescue certification and paramedic training.

On July 9, 2023, while responding to a fire in difficult weather, the engine she rode in ran off the road and struck a tree — a tragic accident that would ultimately claim her life after an eight-week hospitalization. The fire-rescue community and the citizens she served mourned the loss deeply. In death, Mia demonstrated the same giving spirit she carried in life: her family donated her organs, offering others a chance at life even after her sacrifice. Today, she stands as a reminder — a "sunbeam" extinguished too soon — but also a beacon of selfless service, courage, and the impact a single young firefighter can have on her community.