Edward Long responded to a request for assistance from a citizen for a vehicle lockout for a tractor trailer. After using a ladder to gain access to the vehicle and unlock the cab of the truck, he placed the ladder back on Engine 2 and cleared the scene. While en route back to the station, Firefighter/Engineer Long stopped at a stop sign and advised the officer in charge of the engine that he didn’t feel well. After setting the parking brake on the engine, he became unresponsive. Crews from the station responded immediately. Firefighter/EMT Long was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later due to sudden cardiac arrest.

Edward Jay Long was born in Cherry Point, North Carolina, to the late Paul and Jeanette Long on May 29, 1966. He was a proud United States Army veteran. He served as a special deputy with the Scioto County Ohio Sheriff’s Office, having received his commission in July 1986. He joined the Portsmouth Fire Department on March 17, 1995, and served for 27 years as a firefighter/EMT. He served as deacon at St. John Lutheran Church. He was a 3rd Degree Mason at Western Sun Masonic Lodge and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. A very active Boy Scouts of America volunteer, Ed served as pack master and troop master of the former Troop 37, helping many young men attain the rank of Eagle Scout.

He attended Marshall University, where he was a member of the ROTC. He received associate degrees in math and science, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Shawnee State University.

Ed was an excellent driver/engineer, and no one knew his truck as well as he did. Ed was known as quite the storyteller for the length of his stories and the enthusiasm with which he told them. His smile, laughter, and happiness always radiated, and joy always flowed around him. He was an asset to his community and department. His passing left a huge hole in the world.

A devoted and loving family man, Ed left behind his wife of 28 years, Lisa Nicole Long; sons, August Cole Long and Colin Jay Long; and daughter, Calista Faye Long. Ed loved and spoke often of his family. It was rare to see him out and about without one or all of his children in tow. Ed loved riding motorcycles, traveling, and planning family trips. He took pride in taking care of his family and is loved and missed more than they can ever express in words. Ed passed away doing something he loved passionately, serving and protecting his community, making a difference in lives every day. He gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. He is still making a difference in people’s lives.