Gregory Lee Bauer was born on January 31, 1965, in Columbus, Ohio. His family moved to Groveport, Ohio, and that is where he spent his time growing up. He attended school at Groveport-Madison, where he graduated from high school in 1983.

Greg was active in the Boy Scouts of America for many years and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Ohio State University and worked in the lawn care business for a few years before deciding that what he really wanted to do was to be a good firefighter.

In January of 1996, he graduated from the Columbus (Ohio) Fire Academy. He was a 25-year veteran at the time of his death. He spent his entire career at Station 21, where he was the primary driver of the engine, which he took pride in taking care of. He was the senior man at that firehouse and was sometimes respectfully referred to as “the mayor” for keeping the troops in line. He was particular about almost everything he did around the station. A mentor to young firefighters, he was always concerned for the welfare of the other firefighters. He was there for them for anything they would need, including consoling them if they had taken a beating, being up all night and feeling down.

Greg had an infectious smile and laugh, and it was always a pleasure to be in his presence. He dedicated his life to helping others on and off the job and was a good friend to all who were lucky enough to know him.

Greg became ill after an emergency medic run involving a patient sick with COVID-19. Unfortunately, he was unable to overcome his extended battle with COVID-19 and passed away on October 18, 2021. He left a loving family and numerous friends who continue to miss him dearly.