Chief Thomas “TJ” Maury Jr.’s watch ended on August 22, 2023, after a heroic five-year battle against stage IV cancer. His story is one of courage, resilience, and an enduring commitment to service. His lifetime of fire and emergency service began at age 14 as a junior firefighter. He worked at Bridge City Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. and then for various fire companies within Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. In 2007, he entered federal civil fire service with the U.S. Navy. He rose through the ranks, became a paramedic in 2010, and eventually served as fire chief at Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, and then Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. He was dedicated to the future of his departments and envisioned one of operational readiness, training excellence, community engagement, and collaboration.

Chief Maury played vital roles during various emergencies, including Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, Isaac, Zeta, and Ida, as well as the Deep Horizon oil spill. His story is featured on “Returning the Favor,” a reality web series with Mike Rowe, highlighting Chief Maury’s remarkable strength and dedication to saving lives. Chief Maury received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Firefighter of the Year in 2007, Civilian of the Quarter in 2016, Navy Region Southeast Civilian of the Year and Navy Civilian Fire Officer of the Year in 2017, and Training Officer of the Year for the Southeast Region in 2019.

Chief Maury was most known for his contagious smile, his fortitude, and his love of family, friends, and Batman. He inherited his strong work ethic from his father, Thomas J. Maury Sr., and his kind nature from his mother, Betty Jean Maury. He was spoiled by his sisters, Chasadie Flanagan and Gidget LeBlanc. Chief Maury dearly loved his nieces, nephews, and godchildren. When Chief Maury was not saving lives, he ran marathons, enjoyed football games, and attended concerts with his friends. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Betty Ann Maury, for 20 years, and has two sons, Thomas J. Maury, III and Lucas Maury, and one daughter-in-law, Vi Huynh.

It was Chief Maury’s honor to work alongside the outstanding men and women within his fire departments, and there are far too many to name. The Maury family would be remiss not to mention Chief Todd Albarado, who continues the fight to raise awareness about the occupational hazards faced by firefighters and the need for support and recognition for those who sacrifice their health in the line of duty.