Marvin Shaffrey joined the Cedar Hill Fire Protection District on October 1, 1979, as a junior firefighter, at the age of 13. At 18, he became a senior volunteer firefighter and was promoted to engineer just two years later in 1986. Marvin was hired by the Cedar Hill Fire District as a full-time firefighter on May 15, 1991, and was promoted to lieutenant that same year. He was named captain in October 1995. Marvin stepped down from being a full-time firefighter on January 17, 2002, but remained an active volunteer with the rank of captain. Marvin was promoted to volunteer battalion chief in February of 2018. He passed away in the line of duty on November 2, 2021.

Marvin was the perfect firefighter. He always had a great positive attitude. He took great pride in everything he was involved with, and it had to be perfect. Marvin had a memory like no other. His mind retained information that many people rely on a computer for—all the department’s equipment, when and where something was purchased, and dates and locations of many calls.

Over his 42 years as a member of the Cedar Hill Fire Protection District, Marvin has received two letters of commendation, placed on the Fire District’s Honor Roll, served on several committees, run thousands of calls, saved numerous lives, and been a teacher, mentor, and friend to all. On November 10, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Cedar Hill Fire Protection District passed a resolution declaring November 2nd as Battalion Chief Marvin Shaffrey Memorial Day. Every year on this date, the Cedar Hill Fire Protection District will take time to reflect on Battalion Chief Shaffrey’s legacy and to honor him.

Marvin served his family the way he did the department, with lifelong commitment. He married his high school sweetheart, Anastasia, on November 28, 1987. The only thing better than the fire service in Marvin’s eyes were his wife and his two daughters, Lily and Ella. Ella joined the department as a junior firefighter on her 14th birthday to honor her father’s legacy. Along with camping, Lily and Ella’s activities were Marvin’s hobby. He instilled into Lily and Ella his sense of humor, work ethic, dedication, grit, and commitment.

Marvin loved to make people laugh. He always had a smile on his face. If Marvin met you once, you were considered “a really good friend of mine.” He was a selfless man who touched more lives than he ever knew. His dedication to his family, friends, and the fire service was unmatched. His legacy will live on for years to come. He will be greatly missed.