The family of Fuller Hose Company firefighter Shawn Giles released a statement Friday as they joined his fellow firefighters and the community to say goodbye.

The statement from his wife, Adele Giles, and family reads:

"On Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at 1 p.m., I received a phone call that forever change not only my life but also the lives of literally hundreds of people.

Shawn was my husband, but before that, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a godfather, a cousin and a friend to all who knew him. He was an amazing stepfather to my two children.

Shawn was a volunteer firefighter; he was always there to provide help whenever it was needed, without question or any hesitation. This is what happened on Sunday afternoon; he was needed — so he went.

But this time, he didn't come home. Shawn's death has left a huge hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

The amount of love, support, phone calls, cards, food and kindness extended to all of us has been so overwhelming. We can never thank you enough. I promise that I will do everything in my power to ensure that this senseless tragedy doesn't happen to someone else."

Giles died after he was hit by a driver speeding through an accident scene in North East Township on Sunday. The driver was immediately arrested and has since been charged.