Hundreds of family, friends and public safety officials filled the First Baptist Church of Douglasville sanctuary Saturday to pay final respects to their fallen comrade, Douglas County Firefighter/Paramedic Paul Holmes of Paulding County.

Holmes, 37, of Dallas died Dec. 28 from injuries received in a Dec. 26 ambulance-car collision on Anneewakee Road. Holmes was riding in an ambulance answering a call to a vehicle fire on Anneewakee Road with lights and siren going when the ambulance collided with an automobile driven by an unidentified female, who was treated for minor injuries at Atlanta Medical Center and released.

Witnesses reported the ambulance turning over several times, ejecting Holmes. Ambulance driver Daniel Young was treated for injuries at WellStar Douglas Hospital and released.

Georgia State Patrol spokesman Paul Cosper said the GSP Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is investigating the crash. He said findings will be turned over to the Douglas County District Attorney to determine if charges will be filed.

Holmes had served with the Douglas County Fire/EMS Department since May 2008. He completed firefighter training Dec. 3 with the first class to graduate from the new county fire training facility off Cedar Mountain Road. All department personnel are cross-trained in both emergency medical and firefighting courses, said Wes Tallon, county communications and community relations director.

“Paramedics and firefighters are a special breed of people who live to save others’ lives,” said Douglas County Fire Chief Scott Spencer.

“Paul trained as a paramedic and firefighter to achieve that goal, and he lost his life in pursuit of it. He will be missed, and the entire emergency services community mourns our loss.”

“Serving as a fireman/paramedic/EMT is a calling and those who respond to the call put their lives on the line every day,” said Douglas Commission Chairman Tom Worthan. “Paul was responding to someone who needed aid, and in doing so, he lost his own life. This is unselfish service at the highest level, and we’ll remember Paul’s spirit.”

Spencer remembered Holmes at the 2 p.m. service as a man “who always had a smile on his face” and “adored his family.”

“He graduated less than a month ago from our rookie firefighter class,” Spencer said. “After the ceremony, he told me it was one of the proudest moments of his life. He was proud not only to be a paramedic, but to be called a firefighter.”

After Spencer’s opening remarks, a video of the rookie class’ training and graduation was shown.

“This is a special breed of people who live to save the lives of others,” pastor Jerry Helton, a family friend, said in his eulogy. “We can never thank you enough for what you do.

“Douglas County has lost a young paramedic and fireman, and many of you have lost a family member, a friend and a colleague.”

Jeff Bennett, a family friend, sang “Peace in the Valley,” a hymn written by a Villa Rica native, the Rev. Thomas Dorsey.

Deputy Chief Kim Ransom said the ringing of bells is associated with firefighting. The command staff of the fire/EMS department then conducted a bell ceremony.

“It’s a call to duty, to place your life in jeopardy,” Ransom said before the bell rang out. “When the call has ended, the bell is sounded again. Paul his finished his task and the ringing is a signal of a job well done.”

Fire/EMS Chaplain Allan Costlow delivered the prayer and the service was concluded with Burny Agee playing “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.

The funeral processional left the church, passing under an arch made by fire ladder trucks at the intersection of Prestley Mill Road and Hospital Drive.

Many processional participants walked the last mile, followed by a line of fire and rescue apparatus and other public service vehicles.

The graveside service included a trumpet call and “Taps.” performed by Tim Anderson and a flyover by air ambulances. A flag was presented to Mrs. Jamie Holmes, Paul’s wife, and his daughter, Alexandra.

Tallon said contributions to the family can be made through the Paul Holmes Memorial Fund at any Wachovia bank.