Family of Andrew Zajac Releases Video Statement

Photo caption: According to KREM 2, the following people are featured in the video: (on the couch from left to right): William Zajac (brother), James Zajac (father), Mary Zajac (mother), Jennifer Zajac (Andrew’s wife), Lynette Brown (Jennifer’s mom). On the floor left to right: Bart Brown (Jennifer’s brother), Loretta Brown (Jennifer’s sister). Photo credit: KREM 2 video

A local family continues to mourn the loss of their son, Andrew Zajac, who was killed last week while battling wildfires in Washington State.

Zajac was the son of Rev. Mary Zajac, a senior pastor at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles. Mary and her husband, Jim, live in St. Charles. Andrew, 26, was among three firefighters killed on t the blaze when their vehicle crashed and was overcome by flames, NBC reports. Zajac was a part of an engine crew from Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in central Washington.

The family released a video statement. In the statement, Mary spoke of her son’s strength in “body and intellect and in character while also being a very loving, gentle and respectful man.”

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Andrew’s wife, Jennifer Zajac, also spoke of her husband in the video. She encouraged those battling the wildfires in Washington to be safe.

“I just want to say to all of you guys out on the line, to just stay safe. Take a step back every once and awhile if you need to. Take those breaks,” she said in the video.

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