COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) – A Columbia County Fire recruit died Tuesday during a training program.
The public relations director released the following state:
It is with a heavy heart that Columbia County Fire Rescues announces the death of one of its members, Fire Recruit Kalif Leslie Daly, who passed away while participating in our Firefighter Training Program on November 4, 2025. Recruit Daly was in the newest Recruit Class, and after not feeling well during Physical Training the morning of November 4th, he was transported to the hospital, where he later passed. “This loss has deeply affected us all. Columbia County Fire Rescue is more than a department, we are family. The bond we share, the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service, is built on trust, strength, and shared purpose. Though his time with us was far too short, he will always be a member of the Columbia County Fire Rescue family,” said Chief Jeremy Wallen. The entire department is devastated by this loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the recruit’s wife and family, friends, classmates, and department as we all grieve together. In times like this, we lean in on one another. Columbia County Fire Rescue respectfully asks for privacy for the family and colleagues as they cope with this profound loss. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our community and other surrounding departments during this time and ask that everyone keep Recruit Daly’s loved ones and our fire rescue family in your thoughts and prayers. Funeral arrangements are pending, and further details will be shared once finalized…