Charlotte County mourns firefighter after 35 years of service

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK) — Charlotte County is preparing to say goodbye to one of its own.

Charlotte County Fire & EMS announced funeral arrangements for Firefighter/Paramedic Jan A. "Jay" Sanders Jr., who passed away June 18 following a battle with occupational cancer.

Jay dedicated more than 35 years of service to Charlotte County as a firefighter, paramedic, mentor and leader.

He also went beyond Florida, deploying to help with wildland fire operations in the western United States.

A funeral service will be held at noon Thursday, June 25, at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, with doors opening at 11:30 a.m.

Following the service, firefighters, emergency responders and public safety personnel from across the region will take part in a procession honoring Jay's life and legacy.

Members of the public who want to pay their respects are encouraged to safely observe along the procession route, with route details to be announced in the coming days.

Charlotte County Fire & EMS will honor Jay with his Last Alarm on June 25, recognizing his final call and a lifetime of service to others.

Additional information, service updates and memorial resources are available at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/JaySanders.