Habersham County community honors life of young firefighter who died of brain cancer

Friends, family, and co-workers say Garrett Reiser was a joy to be around.

Reiser, who had been a member of Demorest Fire Department for five years, was remembered Wednesday with a firefighter’s funeral.

“Garrett was 23 years old and one of the purest souls you could ever meet,” a social media post from Habersham County Emergency Services reads. “He was never seen without a smile on his face and was a joy to be around. Though we can rejoice in the fact that his is no longer suffering, he will be greatly missed by us all here at HCES.”

Reiser died Sunday, Sept. 11, only a few months after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

“Garrett shined light for the Lord from every part of his body,” writes friend Gus Galloway. “He has left behind a legacy of a bold love for Jesus, kindness to everyone he met, and joy in every part of his day. I pray that we will pick up where he left off.”

Reiser’s funeral was held at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Cornelia, where he was a faithful member.

Along the roadsides between Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville and the church, public safety personnel and community members lined up to support Reiser’s family and co-workers.

Fire department ladders from Cornelia and Habersham County crossed in tribute on the bridge over Ga. 365, while Baldwin Fire Department’s tower ladder was raised with a large American flag on Chase Road at the turn into the church.

Demorest Fire Department Engine 5 is draped with a wreath and mourning wrap for Firefighter Garrett Reiser's funeral.

Members of the community line Business 441 to view the procession for Demorest Firefighter Garrett Reiser.

Demorest Police Department units escort Firefighter Garrett Reiser's funeral procession.

The funeral procession for Demorest Firefighter Garrett Reiser passes under the crossed ladders on the bridge over Ga. 365.

A fire engine bearing the flag-draped casket of Demorest Firefighter Garrett Reiser makes its way down Business 441 toward Gethsemane Baptist Church in Cornelia.

The procession for Firefighter Garrett Reiser includes emergency vehicles from throughout Habersham County and beyond.

The AirLife Georgia 2 medical helicopter flies over the funeral procession for Demorest Firefighter Garrett Reiser.

Community members line the roadsides to pay tribute to Firefighter Garrett Reiser and show support for his family and co-workers.

Habersham County Emergency Services units participate in the funeral procession for Demorest Firefighter Garrett Reiser.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2022/9/1131766/habersham-county-community-honors-life-of-young-firefighter-who-died-of-brain-cancer