Our world was blessed on August 11‚ 1973‚ when Jeff was born in San Bernardino County‚ California. Jeff’s interest in serving others began early in his life‚ and he entered the fire service at the age of 16. He began his career with the U.S. Department of Forestry and then came to the Asheville Fire Department in 1998. Jeff brought his mother‚ Laurel‚ to Asheville‚ and it was also here that he met and married his wife‚ Stacy.

Jeff was a superstar in the Asheville Fire Department. He was instrumental in many department initiatives including company officer development‚ promotional process improvement‚ and youth development programs. Jeff completed his bachelor’s degree in fire safety and management from Fayetteville State University and had enrolled in the first offering of the Asheville Fire Department’s Chief Officer Development Program. Jeff’s contributions to the fire service were many‚ and they continue to be blessings today.

Jeff loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and loved anything related to the water. Jeff spent much of his free time with his family in water recreational activities‚ and this carried over to his passion for water rescue in the fire service. Jeff and his closest friends in the fire service spent many days in the woods on numerous hunting trips‚ a bond that showed daily on the job.

Jeff had a smile and an attitude that made everyone around him feel positive about everything. He was a can do fire officer that everyone wanted to work with.

Jeff is survived by his mother‚ Laurel; his wife‚ Stacy; and their children‚ Robin‚ Sarah‚ and CJ.

He is sincerely missed by all whose lives he touched. We are so blessed to receive the many gifts he gave us.