HAGERSTOWN, MD — Tributes continue pouring in for Hagerstown Fire Department/Deputy Fire Marshal John “Stretch” Crist. /SHORT i SOUND/

Crist died as a result of injuries suffered during an off-duty accident August 23rd. He was 54. Crist was a marine who served during Operation Desert Storm. He was employed with the City of Hagerstown Fire Department for 28 years, retiring as Deputy Fire Marshal. He was known to many in the fire service as “Stretch”.

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Hagerstown City Administrator Scott Nicewarner paid tribute:

Mayor Emily Keller recalled a time Crist’s unique sense of humor and propensity for putting googly eyes on things brought her out of a difficult day:

Services will be held Sunday, August 28th at 6:00 pm, at the Kepler Theatre Hagerstown Community College.