The brotherhood of first responders is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Lt. Ronald Jason Adams, 29, of the Sherwood Fire Department was answering a medical-emergency call in North Little Rock after a blizzard early Friday morning when he was allegedly shot by the homeowner, Mark Eugene Pruitt, 47.
Adams, who was a two-time cancer survivor and also served in the East Pulaski Volunteer Fire Department, was shot soon after he arrived. Pruitt has been charged with manslaughter.
Pulaski County sheriff’s deputies and North Little Rock police found Adams with gunshot wounds at the scene. He was taken to Springhill Baptist Medical Center in North Little Rock and pronounced dead there.
The Sherwood Fire Department sent word of the tragedy soon after Adams passed away. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of our brother, Lt. Jason Adams. Jason had a witty sense of humor and could make everyone laugh. He will be greatly missed. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers as we go through this hard time.” Hundreds attended a vigil held in his honor Monday night at the state Capitol.
First responders die in the line of fire almost every week across the nation. Adams’ untimely passing reminds us of that grim fact once again.
