Celebration of life for John Laughter Saturday

COLUMBUS — The public is invited to celebrate the life of John Laughter this Saturday at the Columbus Fire Department.

Laughter died on June 18 at the age of 58. He served as a Polk County paramedic and instructor for nearly 30 years.

Emergency officials have planned a celebration of Laughter’s life from 5-10 p.m. Saturday, with barbecue and music. A memorial “last ride” will take place at 4 p.m. from Harmon Field in Tryon, through Columbus to U.S. 74 and ending at the fire department. Music will be at the Columbus Veteran’s Park, across from the fire department, so participants are asked to bring chairs.

“Spend a night celebrating memories of our dear, loving, kind paramedic John Laughter,” said organizer Penny Cochran.

The celebration of life is a fundraiser that will include a raffle to help pay for Laughter’s medical bills.

Laughter first became a paramedic in Polk County in 1987. He later became an EMT instructor.