Adam ‘Cody’ Renfroe answered his last call on October 29‚ 2008. He was 24 when he sacrificed his life in a search and rescue effort while battling a house fire. Cody fearlessly and without hesitation went in to locate an elderly lady believed to be trapped inside‚ but somehow fell victim himself. We lost our precious hero shortly after that.
We still wrestle with god’s decision of why he took someone so young and dedicated. Cody was already our hero‚ but suddenly he became our community and surrounding communities’ hero. Now we realize he had an uncontrollable passion for firefighting. If it was his time to answer his last call‚ he left his earth the best way anyone could‚ as a true hero. He died doing something he loved. Somehow‚ a hero deserves heaven.
Cody had a special quality about him. When he entered the room‚ he always had that silly smile on his face that somehow became contagious. He always had a joke or funny story to tell. He also had an overwhelming compassion for people‚ and a drive to serve. Cody loved the feeling of accomplishment and importance that he felt helping people‚ and he relied on that feeling when he went on a call. Everyone knew they could rely on him and that he would do whatever it took to help them. Cody put in countless hours as a volunteer firefighter. If we wanted to see him‚ we knew where to find him; it wouldn’t be at home. He was always at the fire hall or at the shop where he worked on his other passion‚ hotrod cars and drag racing.
Our mayor stated that‚ at the moment he heard that a firefighter had sacrificed his life‚ he knew in his heart that it was Cody.
Cody served with the Crossville Volunteer Fire Department for two years. He continues to serve his fellow firefighters and community by an annual car show‚ with all proceeds benefiting the fire department so they can better serve and protect the community. He volunteered his time at the local school and nursing home educating students and the elderly on fire safety.
The City of Crossville honored Cody’s memory with the dedication of the new fire engine #6‚ in recognition of Cody’s call number. He received resolutions from both the house and senate for his heroic death. He received an award for his service from Crossville Health & Rehab. The Town of Crossville issued a proclamation declaring April 18‚ 2009‚ ‘Cody Renfroe Celebration of a Life Day.’
Volunteer firefighters everywhere are a very special group of people. They do not receive a paycheck or retirement plan‚ but just a longing desire to serve their community.
It has been 8 years but it still feels like yesterday. I still don’t think of you without tears in my eyes. I know without a doubt you gave your life trying to save someone else’s and doing what you loved. The servants life you led and the big heart you had, live on through your memory. It is a honor to attend your Rod Run each year, talk to the men and women you worked with and hear how you blessed so many with your actions, smile and heart. I know you are forever with us, I can feel it especially when I’m having a tough day and Roll With Me comes on the radio. I always feel comfort when I hear it cause I know it is you. CF6 forever in my heart.
– Shannon Renfroe Porter