Charles E. “Bubba” Brumfield was born in Lexington, Kentucky, to Charles and Brenda Brumfield on December 4, 1965. He was a lifelong resident of Jessamine County and a member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church.

Bubba served the Nicholasville Fire Department for 30 years and served as its chief from 2003 until retiring in 2014. His retirement ended a 66-year run of the Brumfield family being part of the department. His father and grandfather both served as chief, and he was very proud to carry on that tradition. He said that firefighting was in his blood. Bubba would be overjoyed knowing that his oldest son, Jacob, is carrying on that legacy with the Wilmore Fire Department.

During Bubba’s many years with the fire service, he saw many changes. He had a strong influence regarding the structure and growth from a volunteer department to hiring its first full-time firefighters in 1993 to becoming a full-time department in 2000. He made sure they had proper training procedures in place, as well as the equipment needed to ensure the safety of the firefighters.

As the city was rapidly growing, Bubba worked with city officials, to get two additional fire stations staffed full-time. One of his proudest accomplishments was getting the city a new Seagrave pumper. He worked with the Seagrave company on the design and customizing every detail of this beautiful apparatus, which made its debut in 2014.

Although Bubba was a humble man who never liked a lot of recognition, he received many awards and recognitions during his years of service. One of these was an Award of Valor for his heroic attempt in saving a young woman from her burning apartment. This horrific event stayed with him for many years.

In addition to firefighting, he enjoyed aviation, golf, hunting, motorcycles, and of course fishing! Bubba loved life, leaving us to soon on August 1, 2021. He left an undeniable imprint on so many lives, including his family, who will always feel the void of his absence.

Bubba was a dedicated husband of 32 years to Mitzi, and a loving father to Jacob, Kelli, and Ryan, along with his fur baby, Sophie. He also left behind his loving parents and his brother, Tim. Bubba would be elated that he has two beautiful granddaughters, Amelia and Elsie.

Bubba loved firefighting, friends, and family, but most importantly was a man of God and loved Jesus! We take great comfort in knowing he is with Him now.