Brenden Alexander Pierce was a second-generation firefighter who was raised at a fire station. He began taking classes toward his dream as a senior in high school. He began volunteering for Allgood Volunteer Fire Department to do anything that was needed and remained until his death. He was a cadet in Blount County Fire & EMS Association’s Junior Fire Academy, then graduated on to help teach others in the following years. He then began volunteering for Palmerdale Fire District and later became a paid firefighter for the district.

His dream was to follow in his father’s footsteps as a fireman. His father, Allen Pierce, had held the position of chief at both Leeds Fire Department and Palmerdale Fire District. Brenden was quick to smile and help others. He adored his infant nephew, Michael Allen Heflin, and was a loving younger brother to his sister, Alyssa Pierce Heflin, and brother, Jacob Sherbert. He was always there for his family, which includes parents, Allen and Tammy Pierce; grandparents, Wesley and Joyce Walker; aunts and uncles, Tony Pierce, Jeanette and Bill Owens, Laural and Donald Berryhill, Karen and Charles Newman, LaDon and Marilyn Beasley, and Terry Beasley, and cousins, Emily Owens and Dale Berryhill. Since his death, a very special niece, Ava Grace Heflin, has been added. He would have adored her as well.

Brenden was preceded in death by his mother, Leisl Walker Pierce, and grandparents, Gail and Lucius(Bill) Pierce.

Brenden’s death at age 21, as tragic as it was, proved to continue his legacy as a hero. Brenden’s organs were donated, and numerous people gained a new lease on life due to his sacrifice. This is his legacy, John 15:13, Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.