Submitted by his wife

Trent was an exemplary firefighter who pursued his career with enthusiasm and knowledge. He encouraged the Rookies assigned under his leadership to excel in their careers and many achieved the rank of Driver under his leadership. Trent spent many hours of his own studying the proper procedures relating to firefighting to ensure his crew would be well prepared when called to any scene. Trent was known by his fellow firefighters at Station #10 as being the best firefighter in the City of Memphis and they were all proud to serve their community along with him. Most importantly‚ Trent was a loving‚ caring and devoted husband to his wife Donna‚ and a fun-loving happy‚ spirit-filled Christian father who led by example for his two daughters Hope and Charity.

Our loss will be felt forever‚ however‚ we find comfort in knowing that Trent is in Heaven and will be there waiting for us when it is our time to go home.

Trent felt his greatest accomplishment and treasure in this life was his wife and children. In eleven years of service since 1992‚ Trent achieved Driver in 1995‚ and Lieutenant in 1999. Additionally‚ he achieved as a firefighter the Medal of Honor in 1999 for assisting in the rescue of a 13-year old child from a burning home.

Trent and his wife Donna created a home-based business‚ Kirk’s Designs‚ which they were awarded the 1999 and 2001 Vesta Home Show awards for Best Interior Design and Workmanship.

After serving at the fire house and while on Trent’s way home‚ he noticed smoke. Following the smoke‚ he arrived and called for the fire department. He was told by neighbors that an elderly man may still be inside. Trent immediately entered the house without any of his fire equipment and searched the house completely. However‚ the homeowner was not home at the time of the fire‚ but safely away at a local hospital.

Trent always wore a smile that illuminated any room. His hearty laugh made him an instant friend. He was always there to lend a helping hand to his family and friends without any expectations. As so eloquently spoken at his funeral by fellow firefighter‚ Steve Dew‚ that after fighting a house fire together‚ Trent looked at Steve and said‚ ‘This is the best job ever!’ And in the end‚ Trent gave his life to the career he loved and in essence died doing the ‘best job ever!’