Event honors ‘generous’ Virginia firefighter who died while teaching water rescue class

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. — First responders and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Chesterfield County firefighter Alicia Monahan Saturday morning in Colonial Heights.

A dog walk and adoption event was held in Monahan’s honor at Roslyn Park in Colonial Heights.

According to organizers, the event, organized in partnership with the Colonial Heights Animal Shelter, was intended to include many of the things Monahan loved, from dogs to exercise.

“We wanted to embody as much of her love as possible to create an event that would honor her memory and maybe also help find new homes for some of the dogs,” said our colleague Rachel Winter.

The 41-year-old mother of two died two years ago during a water rescue exercise on the Nantahala River in southwestern North Carolina.

In addition to being a member of Chesterfield Fire and EMS, Monahan was also a member of the department’s dive rescue team. Along with her pup, Zoe was also a member of the Virginia Helicopter Water Rescue Team and the Virginia Search and Rescue Association.

Monahan’s friends said she had the foresight to make sure people knew that in case something happened to her, she wanted Zoe to find a new home with another caregiver.

“She was probably one of the most generous people I know,” Wendy Harrison said. “She was willing to stop whatever she was doing if someone had a problem.”

WATCH: Ceremony honors Chesterfield firefighter Alicia Monahan

Service remembers Chesterfield firefighter Alicia Monahan

Participants had the opportunity to bring their dog or take one of the puppies out of the shelter. Zoe also showed up with her new guardian.

Friends shared how the unexpected loss made them more aware of their own mortality and how important it is to share with family and friends how much you love them.

“We’re trying to do everything we can to not forget her, and that’s going to be our mission,” Harrison added.

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