04/26/2026
To the Family, Friends, Brothers and Sisters in Service, and the Entire Community of Hilliard, Florida —
It is with a heavy heart, deep reverence, and profound respect that I write these words on behalf of myself — Doc Raven, Troy Foskey Jr. — and the entire Doc Raven Media Inc., Raven-Wolf Studios LLC, and Doc Duck & The Dirty Deeds family.
We extend our most sincere, heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones, fellow firefighters, and community of Firefighter James "Kevin" Crews of the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department, Station 4 — who gave his life in the line of duty on April 23, 2026, battling a wildfire in Nassau County, Florida, during one of the most devastating wildfire crises this region has ever seen.
Kevin Crews was 59 years old. He began his firefighting career in Ware County, Georgia, and served his community with everything he had until his very last breath. His fire chief said it best — "Kevin was the epitome of courage and dedication. His sacrifice will never be forgotten." Those words say it all.
I did not have the privilege of knowing Kevin personally. But I know the type of man he was. I know that breed of human being — the ones who run toward the fire while everyone else runs away. The ones who don't wear a cape, don't ask for applause, and don't hesitate when the call comes in. I spent 22 years in uniform alongside men and women exactly like Kevin Crews, and I can tell you without question — that kind of courage is rare, sacred, and worthy of every honor this world can give.
As a combat veteran, a Southerner, and a man who has stood in harm's way, I wanted to pay tribute the only way I truly know how — through music. I wrote and produced "Hilliard's Son" in honor of Kevin Crews, his sacrifice, his family, and the brotherhood of firefighters who stood beside him in those flames.
I want everyone — especially the Crews family — to know this clearly and from the bottom of my soul:
I will not profit from this song. Not one cent. Not ever.
I hereby publicly and permanently relinquish all copyright to this recording. "Hilliard's Son" belongs to the Crews family, to the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department, and to this community. Use it however brings you comfort. Share it, play it at a memorial, hold it close — it is yours, freely given, with nothing asked in return.
If anyone in the Crews family, the Hilliard VFD, or the community is offended by this gesture in any way, I ask only that you know it was never anything but love and respect that moved my hand to write it. A warrior honoring a warrior. A Southerner honoring his own.
Kevin Crews answered the call when his community needed him most. He died a hero on Georgia-Florida soil — the same ground I call home. That means something to me. That means everything.
To the Crews family: May God hold Kevin close, may He wrap His arms around every one of you, and may you find peace, understanding, and the quiet certainty that his life mattered enormously — not just to Hilliard, but to all of us who believe in the kind of men who give everything.
To the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department and every firefighter still on the line: Thank you. We see you. We honor you. Come home safe.
With deep respect, genuine sorrow, and a grateful heart —
Doc Raven (Troy Foskey Jr., PhD)
Duck Raven (Melissa R. Jenkins)
Doc Raven Media Inc. | Raven-Wolf Studios LLC
Doc Duck & The Dirty Deeds
Hinesville, Georgia
April 26, 2026
"Hilliard's Son" — written and produced in honor of Firefighter James Kevin Crews. All rights permanently relinquished to the Crews family and the Hilliard community."
Official Donation Channels — In Lieu of Flowers
1. Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center Foundation
The officially named organization by both the Town of Hilliard and Nassau County Emergency Management for donations honoring Kevin Crews.
2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Also named as an official donation destination by the family and Nassau County officials — suggesting Kevin or his family may have had a personal connection to this cause.
Physical Memorial
The Town of Hilliard has set up a display at Station 4 — a fire truck and Kevin's jacket — for the community to pay respects in person. Flowers and gifts left there will be given directly to his family.