He ran toward danger for a living. As a Marine, a firefighter and a lifeguard, Garrett Opper spent his life in service to others.
DeSantis signs bill that will raise Florida coaches’ pay after years of News4JAX reporting on low wagesAs a Marine, a firefighter and a lifeguard, Garrett Opper spent his life in service to others.
But like so many who dedicate themselves to protecting their communities, the battles he fought on the inside were the hardest ones of all. RELATED | ‘You think about it every day’: Brother of firefighter who died by suicide shares story to prevent future tragedies Opper, a Fletcher High School alumnus and Jacksonville Beach native, died in April 2022 after struggling with the mental health toll of a career defined by service.
He had served three tours in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps, worked as a Driver/Engineer with St. Johns County Fire Rescue, and spent 20 years as a lifeguard and lieutenant with Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach. He was, by all accounts, the kind of person who would always “go” — no questions asked. St. Johns County Fire Rescue Engineer Garrett A. Opper died at his Jacksonville Beach home on Wednesday.
INK Factory Brewing in Jacksonville Beach has released its annual “G.O. Session” Hazy IPA — a specialty brew named in Opper’s honor and created by his brother, Corey Opper, alongside the brewery team.
This year, Farah & Farah has come on board as the official sponsor of the campaign, pledging to match community donations up to $3,000 throughout the month of May to benefit Here Tomorrow, a Neptune Beach nonprofit offering no-cost mental health support and suicide prevention services for first responders and military personnel.
“Garrett Opper was the real deal — a Marine, a firefighter, and a lifeguard who spent every waking hour looking out for the rest of us here in Jax Beach,” said Chuck Farah, senior partner at Farah & Farah. “At our firm, we believe in showing up for the people who show up for us. We’re putting up this $3,000 match because no one who dedicates their life to service should ever have to walk through a dark time alone.
”The timing is deliberate. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the G.O. Session campaign is designed to meet first responders and veterans where they are — not in a clinical setting, but over a cold beer with their community around them. A portion of proceeds from every G.O.
Session Hazy IPA, the new non-alcoholic G.O. Session Stoke Water, and custom merchandise sold at the brewery goes directly to Here Tomorrow, with Farah & Farah’s match doubling every dollar raised. For the Farah brothers, Eddie and Chuck, the partnership is personal. The firm has long championed causes that protect Jacksonville’s most vulnerable — and they see first responders as no exception.
“Garrett Opper spent his life showing up for us. Now, it’s our turn to show up for people like him,” Farah said.
“We are proud to stand with INK Factory and Here Tomorrow to make sure our veterans and first responders know that ‘going’ also means going to get help when you need it. ” With just days left in May, there is still time to be part of the campaign. Readers can stop by INK Factory Brewing at 602 Shetter Ave. in Jacksonville Beach to grab a G.O. Session, try the new Stoke Water, or pick up merchandise.
Donations can also be made directly to Here Tomorrow atBriana Brownlee is excited to call Jacksonville home and join the News4JAX team. She joins us from Southwest Florida, where she reported at Fox 4 News in Fort Myers. Before making it to the Sunshine state, she got her start in Rapid City South Dakota as the morning reporter and later transitioned into the weekend Sports Anchor.
Red Snapper fishing season put on pause one day before Florida anglers set to hit the waterCharter bus driver, 2 teens hurt after tire blows out, causes crash on I-95 in St. Johns County: FHPMemorial Day weekend travel expected to break record despite high gas prices, expensive airfaresJustice 4 All: What you should know about illegal drag racing & street takeoversTrinity Christian Wins it All 🏆🏆SJC commissioners weigh changes after IRONMAN Jacksonville traffic delays, safety concerns
Mental Health Military Mental Health Firefighter Tribute Mental Health Awareness Farah & Farah G.O. Session IPA INK Factory Brewing Veteran Support Suicide Prevention Jacksonville Beach Fundraiser Garrett Opper
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
3 Takeaways as Jaguars' Preseason Slate Becomes FinalizedWhat are our thoughts on the Jacksonville Jaguars' official preseason schedule?
Read more »
A Man Accosts Officers with Gun, Whole Foods Market Opens, and More Jacksonville NewsThis news text covers events and updates in Jacksonville, Florida and beyond. It includes information on a man accused of perpetrating home invasions, Whole Foods Market opening on Riverside Ave., Jacksonville Jazz Festival update, arrests during a disturbance in city council chambers, changes in St. Johns County commissioners, helpful steps and guide for Georgia voters, and criticisms regarding Ironman Jacksonville.
Read more »
Jacksonville heats up: Expect 90s through the holiday weekendIf you’re stepping out today, expect the heat to ramp up quickly. Jacksonville’s high will reach about 90 degrees, which is definitely warmer than the average for this time of year.
Read more »
Jacksonville Jaguars headlines for Week 12 in the 2026 NFL seasonThe following are the latest headlines and key points from the Jacksonville Jaguars news.
Read more »