In Loving Memory of Keith Young—hero, husband, father, chef, inventor.

Keith Young was a devoted husband, loving father, firefighter, and talented chef whose life blended bravery, creativity, and unwavering love for his family.

He joined the FDNY in November 1998, proudly serving for 18 years, primarily with Ladder 156 in Brooklyn, New York. In the aftermath of 9/11, Keith was among the many brave first responders who worked tirelessly at Ground Zero. Sadly, due to the toxic exposure from those efforts, he developed serious health complications that ultimately led to his passing on March 17, 2018.

Keith married his high school sweetheart, Beth King. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three children—Kaley, Christian, and Keira. After Beth’s passing from breast cancer in 2012, Keith carried her love and strength with him always.

Known by many as the “Firehouse Chef,” Keith brought his passion for food into the firehouse kitchen. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University’s culinary program, he shared his love for cooking with his fellow firefighters and later with the world. In honor of his fallen brothers, he published Cooking with the Firehouse Chef, a heartfelt cookbook full of recipes and stories from the firehouse.

Keith’s talents led him to national recognition. He defeated Bobby Flay with his signature chicken cacciatore on Throwdown with Bobby Flay and was a two-time winner on the Food Network’s Chopped.

In 2010, Keith invented the Cup Board Pro—a cutting board with a built-in cup designed to make cleanup easier in the kitchen. After Beth’s passing, he continued refining the product in her memory. Just three months after Keith’s death, his children courageously brought the Cup Board Pro to Shark Tank, where they received a deal from all five Sharks, ensuring their dad’s dream would live on.

Keith is remembered by all who knew him as a hero, a creator, a caregiver and, above all, a deeply devoted father. His legacy lives on through his children, his cookbook, his invention, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, strength, and spirit.

Though gone far too soon, Keith’s light continues to shine—in every meal shared, every act of courage, and in the hearts of those who love him.