Fire protection district mourns the loss of one of their own

ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WAND) - The St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District announced the passing of one of their own.

In a Facebook post, the district announced Ross Booker was involved in an accident on Saturday night while working for a towing company when he was hit by a vehicle. He was taken to the hospital and died on Sunday, according to the Champaign County Coroner.

"We are just so sorry and we want to be here for you," Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges said.

While she didn't know Booker personally, she said he was dedicated to serving his community and someone that will be greatly missed. She told WAND News on Monday her community is pulling together to support Booker's family and the fire department.

"That's what a community like St. Joe does in times like this," she said. "We will get through it and we will help in anyway we can."

Ross, 20, was a SJO graduate and hometown kids, the St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District wrote on Facebook:

"He walked in the doors at the station, sought information on joining & literally latched on with a passion that inspired more of us, then he will ever know. This young man was dedicated to serving, whether it was his career, being a part on this department, or his hopes & dreams, his visions were always on helping people. Not only that, but the young man had a smile that could light up a room."

A Go Fund Me has been set up on Booker's memory. To view it, click HERE.