Ed Bridges

Edward Bridges, age 46, of Austin, TX, entered into eternal rest, October 23, 2009. A U.S. Army Veteran, Edward was employed by the City of Austin where he worked as a Firefighter. Preceded in death by his mother Delores Bridges, brother Anthony Dickerson, grandmother Jessie Dickerson, aunt Ginger Simons, and uncle Ferris Dickerson, He is survived by wife, Debbie; sons, Edward, III, and Blake; sister, Monica (Tyrone) Bias; aunt, Sandra (Milford) Hill; sister-in-law, Debbie Dickerson; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ed's energy and enthusiasm have touched many, many lives young and old throughout the Austin area. He worked diligently in AFD with everything from encouraging youth to participate in the AFD Explorer Post, and LBJ’s Fire Academy to the coordination of the AFD’s Smoke Alarm Drive and the Fan Drive during Austin’s hot summers, just to name a few. Ed’s hard work even resulted in AFD receiving UT’s "Outstanding Community Partner" award.

Firefighter Ed Bridges was one of Austin’s African-American Firefighters Associations past presidents and continued to help in serving our community through the Association. He served the association well and made major impacts in regards to the goals and objectives. Ed’s passion in working for our youth was from his heart. This was often seen in his positive attitude or in him coming out of his pocket for cost on items that benefited the Austin community. Ed's positive impact will be missed.

It is with deep sadness that we must inform you that one of our own, Firefighter Ed Bridges, passed away early this morning.

On Wednesday of this week, Ed traveled to Columbus, Ohio to visit family and friends. In the early morning hours of October 23rd, 2009 Ed appears to have suffered a sudden and lethal cardiac event.

Members of the Columbus Fire Department, who provided emergency medical care to Ed, contacted our Lead Battalion Chief this morning at 0400 to relay the news and express their condolences. All of Ed's Central Texas and extended family have been notified.

We are working to notify Firefighter Bridges' large network of friends, colleagues, and co-workers. As you know, Ed's energy and enthusiasm have touched many, many young lives throughout the Austin area. Contacting the Explorer groups, the LBJ Academy, the recruiting network, and all the other community outreach organizations will take several days. Ed's positive impact will be missed.

We will keep you informed as more details regarding the funeral and/or memorials are established. For now, your prayers for family and friends and kind thoughts are appreciated.

Forwarded from The Executive Team

Ed was one of our past association Presidents and has helped us with serving our community and AFD. He has served our association well and made major impacts in regards to our goals and objectives. We will be sure to pay our respects appropriately.

Sent on behalf of Bobby Johns
AAAFFA President

Firefighter Edward Rondell Bridges