JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local children’s author had the opportunity to read and share insight on her book “Mike The Friendly Firefighter” during a literacy event at the Jacksonville Public Library on Saturday.
Jacksonville author Brittany Jones, who’s also a News4JAX part-time anchor, talked to dozens of families about the book that she wrote about her late fiancé, Michael Freeland, a Jacksonville firefighter.
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“Mike’s birthday is Monday, and I wanted this to be a celebration of his life,” Jones said.
Jones said while the grief has been hard, this book has given her the beautiful opportunity to keep honoring her husband.
“It’s a bittersweet day because I know I would love to have been celebrating his birthday with him in person. I am also blessed that I get to do this in such a major way to be able to honor him and honor his life and just be very grateful for those who are still showing up for us and just loving on me all through this process,” Jones said.
Freeland died after he collapsed in the line of duty.
“I am so grateful for the amount of people who showed up today, just to show their love for Mike and I,” Jones said.
Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions about the book, which Jones happily answered.
“I haven’t read it yet, but I’m really excited,” a girl who attended the event said.
This event was part of River City Readers, a citywide reading challenge for school-age children launched by Mayor Donna Deegan in late January.
Deegan also attended Saturday’s event featuring Jones and gave away books and backpacks.
Attendees also had the opportunity to check out a fire truck that was parked outside the library.
The next literacy event will be held Saturday, Feb. 24 at 11:30 a.m. at Brentwood Branch Library.