Tracy Lynn Leach of Xenia, Ohio, was born on May 5, 1970, and left this world on December 24, 2022, after a courageous, hard-fought battle with cancer.

Tracy’s life was one of service and dedication to her passion, caring for others for the last 25 years. This dedication took on many forms. She instructed future firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics at Sinclair Community College, Greene County Career Center, and Clark State Community College. She worked as a registered nurse in the urgent care at Children’s Hospital. She obtained numerous degrees, including associate degrees in computer science, fire science, EMS, nursing, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her favorite job, however, was working as a career firefighter/paramedic. Tracy’s tenure at the Kettering Fire Department took on many forms before her retirement after 19 years of service in 2021. She obtained numerous service awards during that time.

Tracy wholeheartedly committed herself to her craft, whether working as a line firefighter on an engine, a paramedic on the ambulance, dispatching police and fire units part-time for the Communication Center, teaching CPR, ACLS, PALS, or instructing the department’s paramedics for continuing education. She was a proud member of Kettering’s IAFF Local 2150.

Although she would not brag about this fact, she was proud to be the first full-time female firefighter/paramedic for the City of Kettering. She was an inspiration for countless females she encountered in the profession.

Tracy selflessly gave her all to those she served and to those who served alongside her. Unfortunately, it was her life’s passion that led to her untimely death due to occupational cancer.

Though Tracy’s different jobs took up a lot of her time, one of her greatest loves was her family and pets. Tracy was an amazing mom to her furry kids. She leaves behind Jasper and Jasmine, her two pups that already miss her dearly. Tracy also loved traveling with her beloved husband, Jay, as much as possible. Tracy was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed by those who loved her.

Tracy departed this earth way too soon but left a mark on all of us who knew her. Although you’re gone, you will never be forgotten!