Troy Jackson was born into the firefighting family. His father, Paul, was a battalion chief for the same department Troy joined in 1990. He grew up knowing many of the firefighters he ended up serving with at South Metro Fire Rescue.
Troy knew from a very young age that being a firefighter was what he was meant to be. After turning 21 and proposing to his high school sweetheart, Lori, he passed his EMT class and tested for SMFR, then Castlewood Fire Department. He was hired in March 1990 and began his career and his rise up the command ladder. He obtained his associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. He rose through the ranks and ended his career as assistant chief of operations after being assistant chief of the training bureau. After almost 30 years at SMFR, he stepped down to focus on his recovery from cancer.
Troy was survived by both parents, Donna and Paul Jackson. Troy was married to Lori for almost 30 years, and together they had two children. Covey (24) also married his high school sweetheart, Courtney (24), after both graduated from college in 2016. Carley (22) started her career in the Douglas County Sherriff’s Department after graduating from college in 2019.
Troy battled adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare job-related cancer. His initial diagnosis was in 2013. He chose to participate in many clinical trials in an attempt to advance the treatment options for others, all the while working full-time. He had multiple surgeries to battle the aggressive tumor growth, experienced over 170 radiation treatments, and survived several chemotherapy rounds. He was a warrior. He intended to beat this cancer, but as the cancer progressed, his focus shifted to attending the pinning of his daughter, Carley, with her sheriff’s badge and college graduation. He was stubborn and successful; she was pinned on December 2, 2019 and graduated college December 13. Troy was admitted to the hospital on the 14th and passed in the early morning of December 16, 2019.
Troy was a man of God and wanted to pass that faith on to those that knew him. He did so in the way he carried himself, the way he lived his life, and how he approached death. He didn’t want people to be angry in his passing but instead “ask themselves why he got to cut to the front of the line. Afterall, if heaven is as wonderful as we’ve been told, what did he do to deserve early admittance?”
He was our Superman, and we know we will be reunited again at the feet of our heavenly Father.
I remember Troy Jackson as a young boy coming by the fire station with his dad so many years ago. I remember thinking he was a fine young man and one that any parent would have been proud of and his parents were very proud. When Troy was hired as a firefighter he was assigned to my crew and I had the privilege of working with him for many years. He was a great firefighter, a wonderful husband, loving father and a pleasure to be around. He was a good friend to many, and was always there if someone needed help or just encouragement. He had an unforgettable and contagious laugh and some might say giggle. I remember how he would take the lead and along with other firefighters in our station to set examples and lessons for young firefighters to learn and master their skills. Troy made my job easier, the fire house fun and I miss him.
– Dennis WehlingLove always Dennis
It has been almost a year since our Lord called Troy home. What a chasm is left in the absence of his smile, wisdom… his presence. I am so thankful he left us such a wonderful legacy in his family and the deep mark he left on South Metro. Troy was the best of us – the best of the fire service. He modeled a servant’s heart & teachable spirit. His compassion for others was evident in the way he listened to them… really listened. Not to respond, but to understand. Troy had so many spiritual gifts: encouragement, discernment, teaching, loving. He could read a person better than anyone I’ve ever met. His empathy for others allowed Troy to sense when you needed a word of encouragement, some time to talk, or just a hug. Troy had the courage to tell me the truth out of love. His words were occasionally convicting, but they were so very deeply appreciated and valued. He always had my back. I miss him every day and look forward to being together with him again. Love you Brother!
– BobI remember Chief Jackson fondly from my short time with Castlewood F.D and then South Metro F.P.D.
– Tom RuskHe certainly was a credit to the department and people he served, to his family and to God. What an honor for you, richly deserved. God speed Chief.
– Tom Rusk
May you be at Peace my dear friend ♥️
– RaNae SevierTroy would not change his choice of careers even after knowing the personal cost. He said several times that “if he would have the opportunity to start over, he would still choose to be in the fire service.” He loved it, and his brothers and sisters in the fire service, that much.
– Lori JacksonWe are so grateful for all of the loving and enduring support we have received from the fire service, our friends and neighbors and the community. It truly helps make the sad days bearable. Troy’s parents feel that same love and we all rely on your support.
Troy was my Superman – he was that to everyone that knew him. Our children have an incredible guardian angel watching over them and guiding them. The legacy he left will guide us all as we learn to navigate life without him.
We miss you babe, and we know we will be reunited at at the foot of our heavenly father. Love ya – Always…
We love and miss you Son!Your love for your family, job and faith will help us through the loss that we feel .Know that’s what you would want us to do . Until we meet again !
– Donna and Paul JacksonYou were a blessing to so many! It was an honor to know you!
– Lisa RicciWhen I needed help in the training bureau, I always turned to you first. Not once did you say you were too busy to pitch in. We spent many hours in the Training Division and those were the best of times. But even more than that, I remember our trips to the Frying Pan. You will be glad to know that Jeff and Matt, Bill and Kinny and I, carry on that tradition with thoughts of you. Love you brother. Dave
– Dave HoffMiss you son and know you are at peace and out of pain !Beautiful tribute can’t wait to see the memorial wall in person next year ! Until we meet again Superman!
– Donna Jackson