Submitted by his Niece
Jeremy ‘Chris’ Adams
Springfield Fire Department – Florida
Classification: Career
Rank: Fire Chief
Date of Death: January 16‚ 2007
Age: 40
Springfield Fire Chief Chris Adams‚ 40‚ of Springfield‚ Fla.‚ died unexpectedly Tuesday‚ Jan. 16‚ 2007‚ in a local hospital. Chris Adams was born in Panama City‚ Fla.‚ on March 17‚ 1966‚ to William and Doris Adams. Chris’ father was a firefighter and Chris followed in his father’s footsteps. He began as a volunteer at the Springfield Fire Department‚ until he received his certification and began serving the city full-time and serving the community in which he lived was exactly what Chris did. He worked his way through the ranks to Captain and eventually‚ in 2004‚ was selected by the mayor to be the Fire Chief.
Chris was a proven leader who worked diligently to upgrade every aspect of the department. He applied for and received grants to upgrade the equipment‚ vehicles and training of his firefighters. He worked with local‚ state and federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Defense to obtain training in the latest safety techniques. Chris created a team that worked together like a family. Every member of the fire department‚ police department and City Hall knew Chris and where he lived. Chris welcomed them into his home anytime and there never was a need to knock. Chris loved his job‚ his team and the community he served so well.
Chris Adams was a devoted husband to his wife of 21 years‚ Darline. They met in school and were married July 26‚ 1985. They have two daughters‚ Heather‚ 17‚ and Hollie‚ 13‚ who were the light of his life. Chris dedicated his life to providing the best of everything for Darline and the girls. He loved them more than anything else and was always there to take care of every little need. He was an example of how to provide for your family. Chris always was there to provide support for his mother‚ brothers and sister‚ nieces and nephews‚ ‘Bootman the Cat‚’ and every friend who asked. Chris was the guy everyone went to when they needed a favor. Chris provided many memories for his family and friends to remember him by.
If you knew Chris‚ you knew he had many interests. If Chris was not in uniform‚ he was wearing a Jeff Gordon or Jimmy Johnson T-shirt and hat. Chris loved to sit on his back porch or in the swimming pool and watch NASCAR races. Nobody loved NASCAR more. Chances are if you went to Wal-Mart‚ you would see Chris there since he went almost every day. Even when Chris took his family on vacation‚ they went to Wal-Mart. The place Chris loved to go more than anywhere else was Disney World. He loved to go to Mickey’s house and take Darline and the girls. Even if they wanted to go somewhere else on vacation … Chris still managed to talk them into Disney World.
Survivors include his wife‚ Darline Adams; two daughters‚ Heather and Hollie Adams‚ all of Callaway; his mother‚ Doris Adams of Springfield; two brothers‚ Will Adams of Panama City‚ Fla.‚ and Steven Lott of Louisiana; one sister‚ Sharon Merchant of Panama City; He was preceded in death by his father‚ William Jackson Adams. Chris will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
He touched so many people in the time God let us have him here on Earth. Chris was the kind of man we name streets and buildings after … he was truly a great American!
I just found out Chris passed away today (have been out of state for past 20 years). I always knew Chris to be a man of integrity, having loved his wife and children. Not only did we share the same name (Chris), it turns out we loved the same drivers (#48 and #24). To the family, I know time makes it things easier, but does not remove the void. Know that he lives on through two pprecious daughters. You are in our prayers.
Chris
– Christopher Hand