Mia Ethridge, age 20, passed away after an eight-week battle in the hospital, as result of injuries incurred in the line of duty, while serving with Louisa County Fire & EMS in Virginia.

Mia grew up in Maryland and Virginia and was a 2021 homeschool graduate. She had a love for people and a big heart for helping them, which led her into service as a firefighter/EMT. Growing up, Mia enjoyed camping, hiking, going to amusement parks, swimming, participating in AWANA and church youth group, and hanging out with friends. From early on, it was clear Mia was energized being around people, fun-loving, caring, and had a powerful resolve to accomplish her goals.

Mia especially enjoyed the water. She started swimming as a toddler and continued taking lessons, training, and competing throughout her grade school years. She participated in summer swim teams, eventually becoming a swim coach. In high school, Mia started working as a lifeguard and swim instructor.

After high school, combined with a very outgoing personality, a strong internal drive, and a big heart, Mia was motivated and eager to expand her service to others. While continuing to work as a lifeguard and swim instructor, Mia started volunteering with Stafford County (Virginia) Fire and Rescue before accepting a full-time position with Louisa County Fire & EMS.

In the short time Mia was with the fire service, she made a big impact. She was not afraid to take the lead and was eager to learn everything she could. Mia was often the first one to engage new members of the team and help them get acclimated. She wasn’t shy about coming up with something to liven up a group, like turning on the engine lights in the bay and having a dance party.

In the fire service, Mia found something she enjoyed and was passionate about. Her immediate goals were to become water rescue qualified, join the water rescue team, and become a paramedic.

Mia was a cheerful, friendly, caring young lady, with a great sense of humor, who was taken from us far too soon. As difficult as it has been to lose her, we trust in the sovereign plan and purpose of God and in His goodness, that this was the right time for her.

Mia leaves behind her parents, a younger brother, and a younger sister, who loved her and will greatly miss her.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9