A Tribute To Firefighter Jason Kirby
Washington Twp. Firefighter Jason W. Kirby passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2009. Come show your support for the Kirby family this holiday season.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
7:00am—11:00pm
Eat-in and drink all day Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
— Bring this flier with you!
10% of all proceeds go to the
Kirby Family Fund
Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub
953 S. Main Street
937-433-9400
Updated 7:23 PM Tuesday, December 15, 2009CENTERVILLE — Hundreds of residents and more than a dozen local fire departments paid their respects Tuesday, Dec. 15, to Jason Kirby, a Washington Twp. firefighter, youth sports coach, salesman and father of two who died suddenly Dec. 9.
“The thing I’ll remember about Jason is he always had a big smile, a firm handshake, and he was persistent to the point of stubbornness, in a good way,” Washington Twp. Fire Chief Bill Gaul said. “He did little bit of everything, and he was well respected in the community.”
After Kirby’s funeral at Southminster Presbyterian Church, a long procession of fire department vehicles went south on Main Street, then drove under a huge American flag suspended between two ladder trucks near Centerville Cemetery.
Kirby, 37, served with the Washington Twp. fire department for 18 years, sometimes as a volunteer and sometimes as a part-time firefighter/emergency medical technician. Gaul said Kirby was president of the Washington Twp. Firefighters Association after being elected by his fellow members. He was also a regional sales manager for Lion Apparel, which sells firefighting gear.
Kirby had been ill last week, but the death was unexpected, and the Montgomery County Coroner has not yet ruled on a cause of death.
Kirby also coached youth football and wrestling in Centerville the past five years, as his son Josh played on those teams. He also had served on the board of the Wee Elks football program.
Kirk Kiger, who coached football with Kirby the past three years, said the Wee Elks and the Centerville-Washington Park District hope to create a memorial to Kirby at Schoolhouse Park.
“He was just an outstanding young man, and way too young to be where he is,” Kiger said, adding Kirby had complained of a bad cold last week. “He just devoted his time.”
Kirby is survived by his wife Debby and children Josh and Piper. Friends have set up the Jason Kirby Family Fund, which is accepting donations through Lion Apparel at 6450 Poe Ave., Suite 300, Dayton OH 45414.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2278 or jkelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Washington Township, Ohio--A firefighter for 18 years in Washington Township died suddenly and unexpectedly Wednesday December 9th.
Jason Kirby was 37 years old. He died of a heart attack but the coroner's report has not yet arrived to explain what else lead to his death.
Kirby was beloved among his colleagues at the the firehouse and at Lion Apparel where he was a regional sales representative for firefighter clothing.
Kirby was also a pee wee football coach for the Wee Elks in Centerville for six years while his son was starting to play.
Visitation and the funeral will be at the South Minster Presbyterian church in Centerville Monday from 4-8pm and Tuesday at 10 am.
You can share you condolences for the family at the following web address:
Two funds have also been established for his family through his work. If you would like to donate to either contact Lion HR at 6450 Poe Avenue suite 300 Dayton, Ohio 45414 attention Shanda Brown.
Police officer and friend Joe Lavigne posted this earlier to his Facebook profile. It seemed appropriate that I share it.
Brother when you weep for me
Remember that it was meant to be
Lay me down and when you leave
Remember I'll be at your sleeve
In every dark and choking hall
I'll be there as you slowly crawl
On every roof in driving snow
I'll hold your coat and you will know
In cellars hot with searing heat
At windows where a gate you meet
In closets where young children hide
You know I'll be there at your side
The house from which I now respond
Is overstaffed with heroes gone
Men who answered one last bell
Did the job and did it well
As firemen we understand
That death's a card dealt in our hand
A card we hope we never play
But one we hold there anyway
That card is something we ignore
As we crawl across a weakened floor
For we know that we're the only prayer
For anyone that might be there
So remember as you wipe your tears
The joy I knew throughout the years
As I did the job I loved to do
I pray that thought will see you through
I'm just a singer, songwriter, safety educator, public information officer, new media enthusiast, dad, husband, and fan of many things online.
