Submitted by his parents
Matt Brimer‚ age 18‚ was a volunteer firefighter on Engine 23. He was taking paramedic training and had his own lawn care business‚ too. He served as a volunteer firefighter outside his residential area because he strongly desired to help others. Even as a little boy‚ he wanted to be a firefighter. He died on November 8‚ 2003‚ in a private vehicle accident in route to an emergency call. Fire Chief William Smith permanently retired Matt’s radio call number. Matt was voted Firefighter of the Year for 2003. He will be sadly missed‚ but his memory lives on.
Matt is survived by his parents‚ Kathy and Karl Brimer and two sisters‚ Marissa and Heather Brimer. Also‚ he is survived by his grandparents‚ Duke and Jean Brimer‚ and Miriam Third and the late Gene Third‚ and several aunts‚ uncles‚ and cousins.
He was a 2003 graduate of Jacksonville Christian Academy where he enjoyed playing football for 6 years. He was awarded the Christian Service Award two years in a row. Matt loved to spend time working around the school. He enjoyed fishing and playing the guitar. He was a fun-loving young man who endeared himself to strangers and sometimes aggravated family and friends with practical jokes. Whatever he did‚ he did it with a smile!
Matt was an active member of his church. He had participated in several mission trips to Oklahoma to work on church buildings. Also‚ he enjoyed doing community service projects such as visiting local schools for fire safety programs.
The Matthew K. Brimer Memorial Scholarship has been established at Jacksonville Christian Academy. The award is given to one senior each year. The award is based on character and community service‚ both of which Matt strongly believed to be important. This scholarship is a fitting tribute to a young man who gave his life doing what he genuinely loved to do.
matt was the best firend i ever had. he strived to help everone he ever met. matt knew no strangers. matt was one of the best fireman i have ever known because of this. karl and kathy i love yall and if u need me just call. love hoseph
– josephbarnwellMatt was a great person, and God selected him to be his next angel on that November day. There was nothing we could have done to keep him here. We miss him every day, but remember that he is up there keeping us in his eye. If there one thing Matt would want, it would be for us to go on with our lifes and to serve God as he did, and remember we will one day be together again. Our prayers are with you Karl, Kathy, Marissa, and Heather during this 3rd anniversary and always. We miss Matt too. Love, Amanda, Harry, Tabitha and Timothy
– AmandaThink of you often, you are in my prayers always. Especially when the 8th of Nov. rolled around, anniversary’s are still and always will be tough. Keep the strenght of the Lord! Will email you.
– Kathy and KarlK & K, You know how much I love you guys. I am forever connected to Matt. My birthday will forever be bittersweet from now on. But I could not think of a more Godly young man to share that day with than Matt. I miss him so much. Some days it seems to crush me but then I remember how strong you two have been through this and I pick myself up and go on. May God always be with you even in the darkest times. Till we all see Matt again. I love you guys. Krysti
– KrystiMy little Bro I miss you everyday.. I miss the stupid little songs you would sing to me and drive me crazyyyyy.. I loved you so much and I wish there was a way I could talk to you one more time… I have been missing you everyday. I knew it was your time I am so jealous and wait till i get there and I am going to Kick your butt. I love and miss you you big ol mean sister Heather
– HeatherDear Mr. and Mrs. Brimer, I just wanted to express my condolensces for your terrible loss. It is such a tragedy that he passed at such a young age. I am sure Matt is up in heaven looking down at this family with love and pride. Best wishes, Pam Arrant
– Pam ArrantMatt it been 5 years, but seems like it just happen, our hearts still aching. I know you are in a better place, but we miss you so much. I think of you daily, and pray for our families to continue to make it day to day. I know it will never be the same. But I know you would want us to go on, and we are trying. But like today,some days are harder than others. Love ya, praying for your family. Aunt Amanda
– Aunt AmandaI can’t believe it’s been 5 years. Sometimes it seemes as if it were only yesterday. But now I remember the funny things Matt used to say and do. It doesn’t take the pain away, just make it a little more bearable. Someday we will all be together again.
– KrystiOne of the best people that I’ve ever known in my life. No one could ask for a better friend than Matt was. I think about him a lot, and tell my wife & kids stories about him. The world sure would be a better place if he were still in it. I look forward to seeing him again.
– Drew Ferguson