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Firefighters stick together and are one big family regardless of the county or state they may serve.

The Bacon District Volunteer Fire Department, along with Drakes Branch Fire and Rescue, Charlotte Court House and Keysville Volunteer fire departments and the Charlotte County Rescue Squad assembled along Hwy. 360 in Wylliesburg to pay respects to fallen Chesterfield County Firefighter Alicia Monahan.

Monahan, 41, a Chesterfield firefighter/paramedic, died while off-duty teaching a swift water rescue training course on the Nantahala River in North Carolina on Saturday, June 25.

It is uncertain what caused Monahan to become unresponsive while in the water.

On Thursday, June 29, a procession honoring the fallen firefighter took place as her body was escorted from Bryson City, North Carolina, to Chesterfield.

“It’s a sign of respect,” Bacon District Volunteer Fire Department Chief Will Stembridge said of the procession. “We know the dangers of this job, and it could happen to any of us, and we are a great big family, and when one department morns, we all mourn.”

Monahan was a part of the Clover Hill Fire Station and provided more than 11 years of service to Chesterfield County Fire and EMS.