Neil was the ultimate public servant. A volunteer firefighter since he was 13 years old‚ a sheriff’s deputy for 8 years‚ and a nationally-registered EMT the last year and a half.
At the age of 11‚ he was following the firefighters around the station in Destin‚ Florida. At the age of 12‚ he became a junior firefighter‚ and by 14 he was the Lieutenant of the junior firefighters. Neil stayed with the Destin Fire Department for many years‚ becoming a paid firefighter after he graduated from high school.
Public service was a big part of his life after his family. Neil had three children‚ Kathryn‚ Cody‚ and Molly‚ and two stepchildren‚ Ashley and Brandon. He was a great father and a great husband to his wife Cindy. Neil was always giving of his time and his abilities‚ rarely thinking of himself. Thirty-two years was not enough time for all that he had to give.
Dear Cindy, My name is Ann Barclay. My father was Eddie Frank Jackson. My mother called me and told me about the remembrance card she received from you and both her and I wanted to say thank you. It was very comforting. It’s nice to know that someone still remembers. I read your husband’s profile and it’s ironic, because my cousin Maurice Swartz works for the Destin Fire Department. He said that he had actually met your husband once before. I noticed that you had children. I don’t know what their ages are, but I was 5 when my father passed, 12 days before my birthday, and at that time I didn’t really understand other than he gave his life to save others. I find comfort in knowing that he was an unselfish man that cared about the safety of others. I will be 30 this month and I have two children that have never met him, but he is so alive through them from the stories that I share. I would like to tell your children that even though their father is not here on earth he is there through spirit and memory and as long as you keep those memories alive comfort will follow. Sincerely, Ann Barclay
– Ann Barclay