Fallen Luminary Volunteer Firefighter Laid To Rest In Bledsoe County

Theresa Maria Lynn

Firefighters throughout Bledsoe County and other parts of the region gathered one last time to honor . The Luminary-Frostbite Volunteer firefighter died Friday morning while trying to get to an emergency. Today, family and friends laid Lynn to rest.

Fellow firefighters remember Lynn as an outstanding crew member. The 39-year old attained the rank of assistant captain, despite a short tenure with her department.

Chester Kauffman, Lynn's Father, says "I never could imagine brother penny did a marvelous job, all the firefighter came out and I never expected nothing like this and I'm sure Theresa would have been proud if she could have witnessed this, yep."

Lynn lost control of her car in an S-Curve on a slick, and foggy Summer City Road. Her vehicle slid off the road and struck a tree -- resulting in fatal injuries. The crash affected her department, especially the crew members who had to respond to her accident.

Today, Lynn's department retired her number -- and hung-up her turnout gear. Lt. Wake Moon says she "always had a smile on her face, loved helping people, this department was her life, she loved it, first to respond, always there."

One example of Lynn's heart? She spent three weeks organizing a toy drive for 40-needy kids in the luminary community and wrapped all the toys herself. She died one day before the gift giving party.

Lynn's family had trouble finding a place to bury her, so, one of her four brothers started a family cemetary plot on his farm.

She is survived by her two sons: Ronald and Joshua Kauffman. Parents: Chuck and Effie Kauffman. Brothers: Aundra Kauffman, Julius Kauffman, Jack Kauffman, and Lee Kauffman.