Members of Blackhawk’s Fall 2021 Emergency Medical Technician class planted a tree at the Evansville Fire Department on Monday in memory of classmate Chris Augustin, who died in November.

Chris worked for the Evansville Community Fire District and Evansville Medical Services since 2013. He was taking classes at Blackhawk for his EMT certification.

Blackhawk staff and students collected donations to purchase the red oak tree, and Chris’s family, including his wife, three daughters and parents, attended the dedication on Monday evening.

A plaque also was placed near the tree, which says: “Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure” and “EMT Class of Fall 2021.”

Chris’s death has raised awareness about mental illness among those who serve in protective services, including police, firefighters and emergency services personnel. Since his death, two Blackhawk staff members have become trained in peer support for first responders and others in protective services.