2007 Volusia County Firefighter John Curry

John Jacob “JJ” Curry was 30 years old when he passed in 2007‚ he began working for the Volusia County Fire Services where he served as a firefighter/emergency medical technician. He was assigned to the DeLeon Springs Station 41, where he joined the Volusia County Wildland Fire Response Team‚ called the “Firewalker’s.” Their job is to fight the sometimes all-consuming wildfires that often plague our counties.

John was killed by a falling tree during a wildfire training exercise. While out training in thick underbrush, his team was cutting down trees when a pine tree fell on top of him. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but there was nothing they could do to save Curry.

John was survived by his wife Kristen and 3 year old son and. John had only been a member of the department for 10 months.

J.J. by Kristen Curry

Tonight two candles flicker on either side‚
I’m reminded of my friend.
A friend that had no enemy’s‚
no…not even one.
Everyone loved and respected my friend
and knew no others like him‚
A friend that always had open arms‚
and a shoulder to cry on.
He didn’t always know what to say‚
but what he did say came from the heart.

Tonight two candles flicker on either side‚
I’m reminded of my husband.
He had a warm smile and a gentle touch.
He lit two candles every night
to remind me of his love.
There’s not a night that goes by‚
I don’t hear the whispers‚ ‘I Love You’

Tonight two candles flicker on either side‚
I’m reminded of a father.
In a hospital room three years ago.
I could see a man‚ holding his newborn son.
As he stared into the baby’s eyes‚
I could see his world was standing still.
I knew he would be world’s greatest Dad‚
and he was …
He looked up and gave me a smile.
We knew we were blessed.

Tonight two candles flicker on either side‚
I glance to the left‚
to see a closet full of clothes.
I glance to the right‚
to see a book half read.
A pair of shorts lay at my feet‚
with a belt still intertwine.
Above‚ I see a wedding picture
with an unfinished story.
Next to me an empty space
like the one in my heart.

Tonight two candles flicker on either side‚
I’m reminded of my son‚ friends‚ and family.
The empty space will never be filled.
but a new space has been made and is beginning to fill. I can’t tell you all the people
I’ve met in the past few months‚
but I do know there are so many people
that love and care about my family.
I’m so grateful.

Thank you‚ from the bottom of our heart and God Bless.

Love‚
Kristen and Owen
Curry