Stephen Crane Brockway was born in Bradenton, Florida, where he lived until 1963, when his family moved to Greenville, South Carolina. In 1977, while a junior at Eastside High School, Steve began his 41-year career in the fire service as a volunteer for the Wade Hampton Fire Department. After graduation, Steve attended Brevard College in North Carolina, where he received a certification in woodland firefighting. Steve’s love for the fire service and desire to help others launched the career of a lifetime for him. In1986, Steve walked into the headquarters of the Wade Hampton Fire Department and met the person who would become the love of his life. Karen was a recently hired paramedic with Greenville County EMS. Steve was polite and cordial, and Karen knew in an instant that this kind, handsome, polite hunk of a man with beautiful brown eyes was a person she wanted in her life. They married on May 7, 1988. Steve was a loving and devoted husband for 31½ years.

Steve and Karen complemented one another perfectly. They shared dreams of pursuing their careers and helping others and supported one another’s aspirations. In 1992, Steve became a volunteer with the Piedmont Park Fire Department. In 1998, Steve ran for fire commissioner for the department. He won and ran unopposed until his death. In 2016, Steve became an adjunct fire instructor for the South Carolina Fire Academy. He taught for 17 years and loved sharing his knowledge and skills.

Steve advanced from firefighter to engineer. After an off-duty injury, he resumed his career in dispatch, becoming dispatch supervisor with the Wade Hampton Fire Department until he retired in 2018. Steve was instrumental in setting up Greenville County’s E911 System. He never let anything slow him down. Steve obtained South Carolina State Fire Marshal certification and assisted the Piedmont Park FD with business inspections.

In their time off together, Steve and Karen spent time outdoors, either fishing and hunting at the family lake cabin or camping up on the lakes, Jocassee or Keowee. They made annual beach trips, sometimes taking their horses for the annual fundraiser for the American Heart Association Beach Ride.

Steve knew and loved Jesus Christ. He loved Karen as much as any man could love a woman. Steve was a servant to others and didn’t have to know you to offer his services. He died doing what he loved the most, helping and sharing his skills and knowledge. Steve was exposed to COVID-19 while teaching and died from respiratory failure 22 days later.

All who knew him loved him and felt so blessed. He will remain in our hearts forever.