Posted 1:03 am Sunday, December 09, 2012
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Jackson Heights firefighter's life celebrated
BY ADAM RUSSELL
arussell@tylerpaper.com
Firefighter Jalen Smith let his life speak for him Saturday as family, friends and a brotherhood of firefighters celebrated a life cut short.
arussell@tylerpaper.com
Firefighter Jalen Smith let his life speak for him Saturday as family, friends and a brotherhood of firefighters celebrated a life cut short.
About 750 attended the funeral service inside the Green Acres Baptist Church chapel. Hundreds of firefighters from stations all across the county, and as far away as Dallas, attended alongside hundreds of family and friends in celebration of Smith’s life.
The 20-year-old volunteer fireman died Monday from injuries he suffered during a car wreck while in the line of duty for Jackson Heights Fire Department. Smith and two other firefighters were involved in a crash on their way to the station while responding to a traffic accident.
Rev. Richard McCowin maintained a celebratory theme about Smith’s life spent in service to others and built on principles of respect and compassion instilled by his family. It was Smith’s giving spirit that set him apart, McCowin said.
“Jalen didn’t just exist,” he said. “He was a servant to the people. His was a life lived with purpose.”
Smith had been with the department since September 2011 and was scheduled to attend Kilgore Fire Academy in 2013 to become a certified firefighter, Jackson Heights Fire Chief Terence Thompson said.
Thompson said Smith’s grandfather was a founding member of the Jackson Heights Volunteer Fire Department.
Jackson Heights firefighter Richmond Crumbton spent many hours with Smith at the department station doing routine daily work and emergency responses. On reflection, he said Smith had a way of making every moment special.
“He had a way of making you smile when you needed some joy and giving you peace when peace was needed,” he said. “He made every moment count.”
In October, Jackson Heights Fire Department officials unanimously voted Smith its 2012 Fireman of the Year.
Rev. Richard McCowin maintained a celebratory theme about Smith’s life spent in service to others and built on principles of respect and compassion instilled by his family. It was Smith’s giving spirit that set him apart, McCowin said.
“Jalen didn’t just exist,” he said. “He was a servant to the people. His was a life lived with purpose.”
Smith had been with the department since September 2011 and was scheduled to attend Kilgore Fire Academy in 2013 to become a certified firefighter, Jackson Heights Fire Chief Terence Thompson said.
Thompson said Smith’s grandfather was a founding member of the Jackson Heights Volunteer Fire Department.
Jackson Heights firefighter Richmond Crumbton spent many hours with Smith at the department station doing routine daily work and emergency responses. On reflection, he said Smith had a way of making every moment special.
“He had a way of making you smile when you needed some joy and giving you peace when peace was needed,” he said. “He made every moment count.”
In October, Jackson Heights Fire Department officials unanimously voted Smith its 2012 Fireman of the Year.
Thompson delivered the award and plaque to Smith’s grandmother, along with his service helmet, Jackson Heights 48.
“He was raised with values to take care of his fellow man, values of compassion and devotion,” he said. “That’s how he lived.”
Other fire officials remembered Smith as an up-and-coming fireman passionate about the job and destined for an extraordinary career.
Smith County Fire Marshal Jim Seaton presented Smith’s mother the Medal of Valor, the highest distinction for firefighters.
Outpourings of support and sympathy have come from as far away as New Zealand, and Canadian firefighters stood as honor guard as Smith’s casket lay in wait.
A long procession of cars and fire department vehicles traveled down Fifth Street/ Texas Highway 64 east through Chapel Hill and the Arp area to the Ashbury Cemetery in Overton.
“He was raised with values to take care of his fellow man, values of compassion and devotion,” he said. “That’s how he lived.”
Other fire officials remembered Smith as an up-and-coming fireman passionate about the job and destined for an extraordinary career.
Smith County Fire Marshal Jim Seaton presented Smith’s mother the Medal of Valor, the highest distinction for firefighters.
Outpourings of support and sympathy have come from as far away as New Zealand, and Canadian firefighters stood as honor guard as Smith’s casket lay in wait.
A long procession of cars and fire department vehicles traveled down Fifth Street/ Texas Highway 64 east through Chapel Hill and the Arp area to the Ashbury Cemetery in Overton.
A memorial fund has been set up at Austin Bank on Smith’s behalf. Donations may be made at any location under the name Jackson Heights Volunteer Fire Department account for Jalen Smith.
During Smith’s eulogy, McCowin again touched on the importance of serving others and the value of living a giving life. He said everyone knows, from neighbors to fellow firemen and women who worked with him daily, that Smith was a good man. He told his mother and grandparents they should be thankful and proud they raised a young man the world could use more of.
“Jalen’s work is speaking for him,” he said. “Just look around. Just look around.”
During Smith’s eulogy, McCowin again touched on the importance of serving others and the value of living a giving life. He said everyone knows, from neighbors to fellow firemen and women who worked with him daily, that Smith was a good man. He told his mother and grandparents they should be thankful and proud they raised a young man the world could use more of.
“Jalen’s work is speaking for him,” he said. “Just look around. Just look around.”
