Hero's final act: Firefighter dies saving neighbors

Murrell and Debbie Frazier of Hartselle are honoring their son, Jantzen Frazier, a decorated Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient. Jantzen served eight years in the Army, earning five Purple Hearts for wounds sustained during his tours in Iraq, including injuries from explosions and a sniper's bullet to the head.

He was honorably discharged as an E-5 sergeant. Jantzen also had a passion for barbecue and participated in competitions with his family's team. His family's barbecue charity events later raised significant funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.

After his military career, Jantzen joined the Oden Ridge Fire Department in Eva. His parents noted that firefighting provided him with a renewed sense of purpose. Tragically, on October 17, 2013, Jantzen died at age 28 while responding to a neighbor's house fire.

During the rescue, Jantzen saved the family's dogs. While battling the blaze, he drove to retrieve a water tanker, but lost control of the vehicle, resulting in his immediate death. He is survived by his four daughters: Arianna, Coral, Aubrey, and Shelby.