There is no profile listed for this fallen firefighter.
Paul E. Gibson
Terry W. Carroll
There is no profile listed for this fallen firefighter.
Ricardo A. ‘Ricky’ Gonzales
Submitted by his wife and children
Ricky Gonzales joined the Beaumont‚ Texas Fire Department in 1977‚ where he served in many different capacities over his almost 27-year career. His primary positions included Driver‚ Captain‚ and for the last 7 years District Chief. His car was number 51. It is a tribute to Ricky and his family that he also has a brother and a nephew who have followed in his footsteps to become Firefighters.
Rick had a smile that could warm any heart. He was a very kind and loving person‚ who truly loved his job and his men‚ which is why he was so very good at what he did. No matter where he was‚ if anyone needed help he was always there. Serving others was not something Rick did just as a job. It was truly his way of life.
Rick was also a devoted husband‚ father‚ son‚ brother and friend. He was very active in the Church and in the lives of our children. He was so blessed to be able to see both of his children get married and start their families. Our precious‚ beautiful daughter‚ Rosa‚ married Jeff Coulter in July 2001 and then Rick was very blessed to attend the birth of our granddaughter‚ Alana‚ who was the apple of his eye.
Then in June 2003‚ we were very blessed to be able to witness our son Brandon’s marriage to Crissy in Playa Del Carmen‚ Mexico. It will be a memory that we will all cherish forever.
Ricky was also very active when he was not working. He truly enjoyed hunting and playing golf with his buddies. In honor of his serving spirit‚ the value that he placed on education‚ and his love of golf‚ the family held the First Annual Chief Gonzales Golf Tournament on May 22‚ 2004. The tournament raised over $16‚000 that will be donated to a deserving young person in his memory to fulfill their education. The outpouring of donations and participation in the golf tournament is truly a testament to Rick’s character and to his life.
Rick’s life and the way that he lived is a true legacy that he left for each of us in his family and everyone that he came in contact with. He will always be missed and will never be forgotten.
Rick is survived by his mother‚ Olivia Gonzales‚ wife‚ Tiny Gonzales‚ son‚ Brandon Gonzales and his wife Crissy‚ daughter Rosa Coulter and her husband Jeff and granddaughter Alana‚ his stepson Todd Mossburg and his wife Angie and son Zachary‚ and his stepson Daryl Mossburg‚ all his brothers and sisters and host of friends.
Jeff Allen
Submitted by his mother
Jeff Allen was the hub of his family‚ his friends and his co-firefighters. Jeff was 24 when he and co-firefighter‚ Shane Heath‚ died on July 22‚ 2003 after being over run by flames in the Cramer Creek Fire‚ located at North Fork‚ Lemhi County‚ Idaho. They had rappelled into the area earlier in the day to cut down trees for a heli-spot.
Jeff was born on January 17‚ 1979‚ at Salmon‚ Idaho to Bill and Diz Allen and has an older brother Ryan. He graduated from Salmon High School in May of 1997. He would have graduated from Boise State University in December of 2003 with a degree in business and would have obtained his accounting degree of May of 2004. In fact‚ Boise State sent us his diploma in Business Administration.
Jeff‚ who was known as Phro to his friends and Bubba to his family‚ was an all around athlete. He was a three-year-letterman in basketball and football and a four-year letterman in golf. He was the Mountain River Conference Player of the Year in 1997 in basketball and was also first team all conference in football. Jeff was chosen to play in the 1997 Down Under Bowl in Australia. He loved sports and athletic competition. Salmon High School has retired his basketball number 22 and his basketball uniform now hangs in a shadow box in the foyer of Salmon High School.
Jeff worked for the Forest Service in the summers fighting fires starting in the summer of 1998 and moved to the Indianola Helirappeller crew in 2000‚ where he rappelled into fires as part of the initial attack crew. He had traveled all over the western United States fighting forest fires and truly loved his dangerous job.
Jeff had served as an assistant for the Boise State basketball team for the 2002-2003 season and his ultimate dream was to become a college basketball coach. He would have been a good coach with his many talents‚ his people to people skills‚ his humor‚ dedication and love of the game.
Jeff loved his family and enjoyed their many family activities and especially enjoyed being with his Mom and Dad and brother Ryan. The two brothers shared a special bond between them from childhood to adulthood. Jeff was an outstanding young man who was taken away just as his whole life was coming into focus. He was promised to Jennifer Dockter of Rupert‚ Idaho‚ whom he met at Boise State. The couple was inseparable and had plans of finishing their college degrees and spending their lives together.
His funeral was held at the Salmon High School gym and was attended by approximately 1600 people‚ with the Forest Service Honor Guard participating in the service. At the cemetery there was a fly over with a fixed wing and two helicopters‚ with the 193‚ which was his base helicopter‚ breaking off from the formation to honor the fallen firefighter. A rock formation of his number ’22’ was placed on ‘S’ hill the day before his funeral and remained there until June 4‚ 2005.
The Jeff Allen Memorial Fund has been established in his memory at the US Bank in Salmon‚ Idaho. The money from this fund helps support high school athletics in Salmon‚ Idaho.
Jeff is remembered by his friends as a very special person and one-of-a-kind. Many have said they have never met any one like him. He was a friend to all who knew him as he considered everyone his equal. He lived life to the fullest‚ making the most out of every day and every situation.
Not a day goes by that Jeff is not missed by his family and friends. He was an outstanding young man‚ a sweetheart and will remain in our hearts forever.
Wayne Kevin Clarke
Submitted by his mother
Wayne Kevin Clarke came to the US in 1971 from Trinidad West Indies. He attended high school in Brooklyn‚ New York‚ played football for his school and received trophies for Best Offensive Back.
After graduating from school‚ he joined the US Air Force. He was stationed in California‚ Japan‚ New York‚ Texas‚ Korea and Colorado. He retired in 1997 after serving 20 years. He also helped at soup kitchens on the holidays when he was in the States. Wayne’s rank was Staff Sergeant when he retired. He always felt that his role in life was helping people. After retiring‚ he worked with troubled kids in a halfway house in Altus‚ Oklahoma. He then got a full-time job with the Texas Department of Human Services. Some of his coworkers told us how he tutored their kids and helped other people in need. He worked there for 3 years and then went over to the fire department.
Wayne’s dream was to become a Paramedic. This was realized when he was accepted as a recruit with the Dallas Fire and Rescue Department. He was so happy and excited‚ but on February 12‚ 2003‚ he collapsed and died while training. This was quite a shock since he had just left his home and family. It seemed so unreal. He leaves his wife Jin‚ a daughter‚ Nakome – she was just three years old‚ a son Hyun Woo – he was nine‚ his mom and dad – Elsa and Gerry‚ his two brothers – Kerryshane and Kern and their wives‚ his two nieces‚ three nephews and other family members. He was 46 years old.
He was such a joy to be around. The many people who told us of all the things he did and what a wonderful person he was and that they will never forget him – it really filled our hearts. The many phone calls and acknowledgements of him made us even more proud of our beloved son‚ brother‚ husband and father. We love him and miss him‚ but he will live on in our hearts. At our 50th wedding anniversary in 2001‚ he was Master of Ceremonies‚ and he did such a wonderful job. All the family enjoyed seeing him. It was such a joy to have our three sons and their families. They had so much fun with each other we saw them as kids again.
All our love now‚ always and forever.
Samuel Lee Green
Submitted by his wife
Sam was a dedicated friend to his fellow firefighter‚ a beloved father‚ and adored by his wife. Sam died July 21‚ 2003‚ while during an overtime day at County Station 63. Sam was 50 years old at the time of this death.
Sam was born in Henning‚ Tennessee‚ where he was the 11th child of 12 children born to the late Pauline and Joe Green.
Sam was a Private with the Shelby County Fire Department for 23 years and planned to retire in two more years. During his tenure he was awarded numerous service awards. He was a faithful contributor to United Way Charities. Sam was a dedicated and loyal fire fighter who loved his job and co-workers. On May‚ 13‚ 2004‚ which was Sam birthday‚ a Pumper Dedication Ceremony was held at County Station 64 in Millington‚ Tennessee. This was where Sam first started his employment as a Shelby County Firefighter. At this ceremony a pumper was dedicated in his name.
Sam was the first Shelby County Firefighter to died while on duty. Sam really loved fire fighting and this pumper was dedicated in his memory and it was said that everytime a fire call comes to Station 64‚ he will roll out with the other fire fighter. There was also a memory book signed by some of his fellow firefighters and I would like to quote some of the comments. One firefighter said‚ ‘Sam was a real joy to work with. I came through fire school with Sam and worked with him for many years‚ he was always a joy to work with. I miss him.’ Another fire fighter says‚ ‘Sam lives on!’
There was also a Certificate of Appreciation presented in recognition of a career of dedication and services to the Shelby County Fire Department for 23 years of services by the Shelby County Mayor‚ A. C. Wharton‚ Jr.
Sam loved his family and he was admired by his beloved wife‚ Margie‚ his adoring daughters‚ Spanisha and Jessica‚ his stepdaughter‚ Kimberly Leggins‚ his stepson‚ Kenneth (Wanda) Dalton‚ his grandchildren‚ Diamond‚ Kierra‚ Martavius‚ Kenneth‚ Jr.‚ KenTesha and Kenya‚ his sisters‚ Louise‚ (Jessie) Halliburton‚ Geraldine (Spencer) Morgan‚ Mary M. Johnson‚ Josie (John L.) Walker‚ Diane Green‚ Rosie Mae (Levi) Morgan‚ Frankie B. Gwynne‚ and his one brother Joe Green‚ Jr. His sister -in-laws‚ Janice (Irwin) Guada and Annie Mccoy‚ one brother-in-law‚ Robert (Rosie) McCoy. Samuel L. Green will be greatly missed by his family‚ friends‚ and fellow fire fighter.
James P. Allen
There is no profile listed for this fallen firefighter.
Lattie F. Collins III
Submitted by his wife
Lattie Collins was a volunteer firefighter in Donalsonville‚ Georgia. His birthplace was Johnson City‚ Tennessee. He loved Johnson City for its mountainous terrain and the visits home with his friends and family. He loved the outdoors and adventure‚ but second only to his love for spending time with others. Every time he went home‚ he would look up old professors from the university he attended‚ East Tennessee State University‚ along with the friends he knew and reminisce about the good times he spent with them. He loved his parents‚ Jeter and Lattie Collins II. When away from home‚ he used with pride his mother’s cookbook that she gave him‚ Where is My Mother Now that I Need Her? Every time he drove home to Tennessee‚ he would hum and whistle the entire last forty five minutes to his house‚ singing occasionally the words ‘Johnson City‚ Johnson City’.
Lattie loved to learn and study. He often began his days waking with a tall cup of coffee in a thermal mug to begin his day studying as early as 4:00 AM. He would begin the day inspired by new perspectives on whatever his latest subject of interest was and dive into the morning with great enthusiasm. Lattie began his studies as mentioned earlier at ETSU‚ where he studied philosophy. He then decided to attend Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta‚ Georgia. He felt a calling‚ but he struggled often with what that calling meant. He believed so strongly in mission work and being active in the community. He wondered if pastoring a church would allow him to minister to those who seemed to be in the most need‚ such as the homeless. He decided to take an internship in Mobile‚ Alabama at Government Street Presbyterian Church‚ where he worked with their homeless program. During that time‚ he met his wife‚ Shelley. He stayed in Mobile for several years‚ working with different homeless programs‚ and trying to clarify his call to ministry.
When he returned to seminary the second time with his wife‚ he was more clear about where God was leading him. He knew he wanted to pastor a church in a small town where he could be a more active part of the community. Two years later‚ he was called to pastor First Presbyterian Church in Donalsonville‚ Georgia. It was only fitting for Lattie‚ to become a volunteer firefighter. He loved his church in Donalsonville‚ and he enjoyed being a part of the community. His dream did come true. He was able to pastor a church and minister to the community by serving as a chaplain to the sheriffs department in Seminole County‚ heading up disaster relief efforts after tropical storm Hannah‚ and of course his service as a volunteer firefighter. During his time in Donalsonville‚ he also became father to a beautiful young daughter‚ Hannah Jeter Collins.
One is often left to wonder how he managed such commitments. Lattie loved every aspect of his life that involved others‚ whether it was carrying an elderly woman out of her flooded home‚ connecting flood victims with relief services‚ teaching a Sunday school class‚ or holding his daughter at the end of the day. The very week he died‚ his wife accepted the Seminole County Man of the Year award on his behalf.
Lattie will be remembered fondly by his friends who hunted‚ fished‚ hiked‚ or camped with him. Many have said that there lives were changed for the better for having known him. Friendship with Lattie brought joy to one’s life. His style of life and his passion for helping others‚ served as an inspiration to all of us. He will be greatly missed.
Nadar Ali Hammett
Submitted by his mother
Nadar was a very special and loved young man.
Nadar actually means rare and unique‚ but he was such a wonderful young man his name was defined as:
Never ending loved person
A man that was so kind and generous
Divine and loving son‚ brother and friend
Always be remembered and loved by his family and friends
Remembered as our angel
Nadar joined the Prince George’s County Fire Department in 2000. He loved his job very much. He served three years with the Prince George’s County Fire Department as an EMT/Firefighter. He had plans to become a paramedic. He attended paramedic school at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington‚ D.C.‚ expecting to graduate in January 2004.
On December 1‚ 2003‚ Nadar was taken from this earth in a tragic car accident on his way home from school. Nadar is still missed by all of us. His spirit will always stay with his family and friends.
WE LOVE YOU!!
Oscar Armstrong III
Submitted by his family
Oscar Armstrong III was born in Cincinnati‚ Ohio on July 22nd‚ 1977 to Annette Armstrong and Oscar Armstrong. Oscar‚ who is known as Ozzie to his family‚ was out going from a very early age. He began walking at 6 months and roller-skated at 8 months. Ozzie attended St. Francis DeSales and Douglas Elementary Schools. He graduated from Schroder Paideia Junior High in 1991 and Hughes High School in 1995. In addition‚ he attended Wright State University in Fairborn‚ Ohio.
Oscar’s greatest love was his family and he is survived by his devoted mother Annette and father Oscar; loving sister Twinkle Dawson and brother Omar T. Armstrong; Oscar was a devoted family man to his 2 sons‚ that were his world – Isaiah Oscar Armstrong and Oscar Armstrong IV and to his fianc_ Sakina Devereaux who also gave birth to a baby girl named Imani Olinia Armstrong in the summer of 2003.
Oscar‚ a people-person‚ never met a stranger and was very talkative‚ fun‚ loving and enthusiastic. Oscar was also a very creative individual who was an avid photographer‚ loved reading and performing home improvement projects – including roofing. Oscar even created music CDs. His family however‚ remained as his greatest love. He was an active participant in a number of clubs and organizations including: M2SE‚ (Minorities in Math‚ Science and Engineering)‚ KUDOS Fraternity‚ the Postponing Sexual Involvement Program‚ the RAUMUS Academy‚ University of Cincinnati’s Summer Incentive Program‚ Inner Society of Martial Arts and the Teen Institute ( a substance abuse prevention program).
On March 4th‚ 1996‚ while attending Wright State University‚ Oscar rescued a student from a dorm room fire‚ which began his interest in becoming a firefighter. Oscar was an ambitious‚ independent‚ and disciplined person who worked in a variety of service-oriented jobs. He worked in the Therapeutic Division for Cincinnati Recreation Department and as a mentor and employee for PsychSystems of Cincinnati‚ which served children with autistic and behavioral disorders. He also participated in Public Allies Cincinnati. His Public Allies position led to full time employment as the jobs for People office manager. He also worked for Ask Me About Cincinnati.
On May 19th‚ 2000‚ Oscar graduated with City of Cincinnati Fire Class 104 and eventually became a member of Engine Company 9 located in North Avondale. He served as a City of Cincinnati Firefighter with distinction for three short years. He loved being a firefighter‚ especially the elements of brotherhood‚ camaraderie‚ developing new skills and helping people. He was a member of the Cincinnati African American Firefighters Association‚ and Cincinnati Firefighters Local No. 48‚ which extended his relationships with fellow firefighters. The day before his accidental death‚ Oscar shared with his mother Annette that he had made the best career choice ever‚ by being a firefighter. On March 21st‚ 2003‚ Oscar’s dynamic life and career was suddenly ended In the line of duty in a flashover during a residential fire in Bond Hill.
Oscar’s 25-year life was distinguished because of his dedication to family‚ friends and his passion for helping others‚ demonstrated most recently as a City of Cincinnati Firefighter.
