John Paul ‘JP’ Memory II
Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department – Virginia
Classification: Volunteer
Rank: Firefighter & EMT
Date of Death: September 16‚ 2006
Age: 19

Although born in Newport News‚ Virginia‚ on March 11‚ 1987‚ John Paul Memory II‚ affectionately known as ‘JP’ by friends and family‚ died in the Line of Duty on September 16‚ 2006. JP was raised in Isle of Wight County‚ VA‚ and was a 2006 Smithfield High School graduate. He was truly an Isle of Wight County man‚ as mentioned is his Senior Biography‚ ‘I would not want to live any were else’.

There are three things JP loved and enjoyed in life: family‚ NASCAR‚ and Community Service.

JP loved the family life and was there for babysitting for his nice and nephew‚ spending the night with his great grandmother and holding her hand when she past away. In his Senior Biography he wrote‚ ‘The two biggest influences in my life are my grandpa and Scott Brower’ (Assistant Fire Chief of the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department).

JP was an avid Earnhardt and NASCAR fan and enjoyed collecting cars‚ going to the races throughout the country‚ particularly at Richmond International Raceway. In his Senior Biography he wrote‚ ‘I always journey to different races through out the year. We will get a camper get a bunch of us together and go to the races for the weekend it is one of the best times you can have.’

Even though JP was only nineteen years old‚ he was devoted to his community and Isle of Wight County‚ VA‚ for over three years as one of the most active members of the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department. JP wanted to be a firefighter more than anything. He was consumed with this passion. And somehow he managed to successfully juggle high school with firefighting.

During his brief but active period‚ JP’s contribution to the community did not go unnoticed. In 2004‚ JP received the Chief’s Award-an award that recognizes leaders within the fire department.

In 2005‚ JP received the prestige’s Firefighter of the Year award- an honorary award bestow upon him by his peers and co-firefighters.

JP was on his way to becoming a career firefighter. He was scheduled to enter the Southside Regional Fire Academy in Portsmouth October 2006‚ to continue his education in firefighting and emergency medical services.

At the age of 19‚ JP has left us. But his spirit lives on. It is our sincere hope that other young people will hear his story and choose to pursue an equally noble path. We have all learned that age does not limit a person’s character and ability. JP Memory has challenged all of us to follow our dreams.