Tyrone Earl Bell was born in Grand Junction, Colorado, on August 12, 1986. He moved to Arizona as a toddler with his family and was raised in the small town of Clarkdale. Tyrone was a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic parish, where he served on the altar until his teen years. He attended Clarkdale-Jerome School, where he was a friend to all and known for his sense of humor and easygoing demeanor. Always ready with a laugh and rarely one to turn down mischief, the friends he made were friends for life.

Tyrone attended Mingus Union High School, where he played football. He graduated in 2004, initially going to culinary school before beginning his career in public safety. Tyrone had excellent culinary skills, which earned him the gratitude of everyone who worked on his shift.

Tyrone began his career as a reserve firefighter with the Clarkdale Fire District and Verde Valley Fire District. Later, he became a full-time EMT at Verde Valley Ambulance Company, completing paramedic school in his off hours and becoming a paramedic in 2012.

Tyrone was hired full-time as a firefighter paramedic for Verde Valley Fire District in 2017. A lighthearted and kind friend around the station, he was a consummate professional when the emergency tones sounded. He had an amazing ability to stay focused on treating the injured and not succumb to the pressure of the moment. No firefighter who worked with Tyrone ever doubted his skill as a firefighter. He was the guy you wanted to take into any dangerous situation.

An excellent paramedic as well, Tyrone was known for having multiple pediatric saves during his career.
After high school, Tyrone met his future wife, Ashli, who was the love of his life. They married June 21, 2013, surrounded by friends and family in Jerome, Arizona.

Their son, Tyson, born January 26, 2016, was his dad’s sidekick for every endeavor outside the fire station. Tyrone and Ashli spent their life together enjoying the Verde Valley with their son, from the snow on Mingus Mountain to the Verde River. They vacationed from the Midwest to Mexico with matching smiles, each truly the other’s best friend. They spent their time as a family making memories, and everyone was invited to join in their fun.

Tyrone’s laugh was as sly as his smile, his humbleness as true as his heart. Always generous with his time, he leaves a legacy of quiet gestures made for his community. His absence leaves a void that will never be filled, but will be surrounded by those who learned to live better and love better because of him.