Garrett was born on April 21‚ 1983‚ in Watertown‚ New York‚ to Gary Loomis and Amy Summerville-Loomis of Sackets Harbor‚ New York. In 2001‚ at age 18‚ Garrett began his firefighting career with the Sackets Harbor Fire Department and became a third-generation firefighter‚ following in the footsteps of his brother‚ father‚ and grandfather.
Garrett graduated from Sackets Harbor Central School in 2001‚ where he was vice president of both his junior and senior year classes. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and was named the school’s top male athlete during his senior year. Garrett earned a bachelor’s degree in sport and entertainment management from the University of South Carolina in the spring of 2006.
After college‚ Garrett attended the New York State Fire Academy at Montour Falls and then took a job as a firefighter for the city of Wilmington‚ North Carolina‚ in 2007. Two years later‚ in 2009‚ Garrett had the opportunity to return home to Sackets Harbor‚ when he was offered a job as a federal firefighter with the Fort Drum Fire and Emergency Services Division of Fort Drum Army Base‚ the same department his father had served with for over 20 years.
When Garrett moved back home he once again joined the Sackets Harbor Volunteer Fire Department to serve the community where he grew up. He was promoted the following year to assistant chief in Sackets Harbor as a result of his experience‚ leadership‚ and dedication to the fire service. On April 11‚ 2010‚ after more than nine years of service as a firefighter‚ Garrett lost his life on the scene of a fire in Sackets Harbor. Garrett’s death has left a hole in the Sackets Harbor and Fort Drum communities‚ but his memory lives on. On July 26‚ 2011‚ the Fort Drum community honored Garrett by dedicating their new fire station in his name and memory.
Garrett is survived by his parents‚ Gary and Amy‚ brothers‚ Benjamin and Bryan‚ and a large extended family. He is remembered by both family and friends as someone who loved life and strived to set an example for his fellow firefighters. When not at work‚ Garrett enjoyed boating‚ hunting‚ golf‚ and playing soccer at the local YMCA. Garrett’s brilliant smile and heartwarming hugs are missed by all who knew him.
Garrett’s last Facebook quote said it all: ‘Hope and pray that you’ll never need me‚ but rest assured I will not let you down. I’ll walk beside you‚ but you may not see me.’
I knew Garrett, and he was an outstanding professional dedicated to serving. I knew his father for many years, since we both worked at Fort Drum, NY. Garrett’s dad was a firefighter on the military base, and I was a police officer at Fort Drum.
– Chuck RuggieroOn the day that Garrett lost his life, I was in Gananoque, Ontario Province, Canada. I got a call asking if I could respond to the scene, from an Officer in the Smithville, NY Fire Department. I have been a member of the Smithville Fire Department for 25 years, and we often worked mutual aid calls with the Sackets Harbor Fire Department because we shared the same district boundary line. I regret that I had not been available to make the mutual aid call, and could not be there.
Instead, as soon as I returned from Canada hours later, I went to the scene. When I arrived I felt totally empty inside. Our community lost a valuable, brave and honorable man on that day. Garrett, you are missed by all who knew you, and continue to love and respect you for the amazing gift of selfless service that you gave to your community. And now, four and one-half years later, I find myself here on the memorial website. Rest in peace brother firefighter, your watch has ended. Please look over your family and keep them safe.
Garrett was my chief and friend, although I did not know him for long, he helped me become a better firefighter and tought me many things. I will never forget that day in April 2010. We lost a friend, mentor, and a brother. I often find myself reflecting on the impact you had on everyone around you, when he walked into a room he put smiles on everyone’s faces. We miss you brother, and we continue to respond to calls cause that what you would want us to.
– David WoodkirkRespect bro
– Janne