By Rachel Engel
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Fire Department Firefighter Rodney “Rod” Kelley died on Sunday evening after an extended battle with the virus.
“Until now, we have been blessed to be spared losing any members of our department to the pandemic,” a statement from the department read. “Sadly, that is no longer the case; we are absolutely heartbroken to have to share that we lost one of our own after he valiantly fought for weeks against COVID-19.”
The statement continued: “He leaves behind a loving family, as well as numerous friends across the department. Please keep Firefighter Kelley’s family, friends and crew in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time, and we ask for your respect and kindness as we grieve the loss of our brother.”