Shane Michael Clifton was born October 6, 1976, and answered the “Last Alarm” on August 31, 2015, at age 38.

Shane had a fulfilling career as a high school football star in Del Ray Beach, Florida, and South St. Paul High School in Minnesota. He also enjoyed acting and was an avid member of drama club, pursuing his love of acting in college at St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota.

He displayed deep love and passion for family, country, and commitment as a first responder. His dedication and desire to serve his country and community were immense. Shane proudly joined St. Paul Fire in 2007, receiving his degree in paramedicine shortly after. He served in the military with valor for nine years, with two deployments to the Persian Gulf.

He demonstrated his desire to help others by accompanying the Community Health Initiative on two humanitarian missions to Haiti, one prior to and one immediately after the devastating earthquake in 2010.

Shane’s love of the outdoors was reflected in his camping trips to the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. He enjoyed frequenting these areas with family, friends, and fellow firefighters.

Shane is known and remembered by all for his extreme loyalty to family and friends. Always eager to help others, Shane openly offered a needed shoulder to lean on and willingly gave kind and sincere council or advice.

His last contribution to others was the donation of his tissue and eyes for research with Lifesource and the Minnesota Eye Bank.

He is deeply missed and loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his mother, Bonnie (Perry) Whitney, and father Michael “Mick” (Carol) Higgins. He leaves behind two wonderful children, Milo Clifton, age 9, and Finley Strauss, age 2; along with many family members, friends, and fellow first responders and firefighters.