Below you will read about a highly respected fire and emergency service leader who passed away this week. But before you read about Jamie, and his well known mantra of “If You Lose Your Head-You’ll Lose Your Ass” ……
…take a moment please, if you haven’t already, to LISTEN to the radio traffic of last nights multi-fatal fire in The Bronx.
A child with a history of playing the stove burners had again been playing with the stove in his kitchen in the multi-family dwelling. When the mother discovered the fire, she left the burning apartment with the boy and his 2-year-old sibling, but she made a fatal mistake — she left the apartment door open-and the fire took off. The result was the deaths of at least 12 people, including at least 4 kids.
Check Out: www.closeyourdoor.org
As you will hear and observe, at last nights fire, the fire dispatchers, chiefs and officers operating defined professionalism-by doing their jobs as they were trained and staying calm in a horrible scenario for even the most veteran of the service. I couldn’t help but think of this when remembering my friend who died this week-and what he was known for preaching.
RADIO: HERE is that FDNY fire radio audio: https://youtu.be/lZvHmfBskEw
CODES: HERE are FDNY 10-Codes: https://www.cheatography.com/davidpol/cheat-sheets/f-d-n-y-radio-codes-firemen/pdf_bw/
VIDEO: HERE Is Some Scene Video From That Fire:
REMEMBERING CHIEF JAMIE TURNER:
“If You Lose Your Head-You’ll Lose Your Ass”
One of the original members of The Secret List (1998), Jamie was a deeply respected leader, a good friend and a really good good guy, Jamie very sadly passed away this week – from a medical emergency – while in a very fierce battle against cancer.
You’ll read about him below-and his solid reputation for being calm in some of the worst fire and related emergency conditions. Below are the arraignments for Jamie Turner, please feel free to pass on this information. We have included the link to the obit http://www.fariesfuneralhomes.com/notices/James-TurnerIII
James E. Turner, III, age 66, of Smyrna, Delaware, passed away at home on Thursday, December 28, 2017. Delaware is a safer and better place thanks to the life and work of Jamie Turner. As a firefighter, as the calm voice in the middle of years of hurricanes, floods and snowstorms, and as trainer of generations of first responders, Jamie’s legacy is a state full of men and women who know, as he would say, that “If you lose your head, you’ll lose your ass!”
Serving the people of Delaware was Jamie Turner’s passion. His respect for Delaware and the deep traditions here will remain forever etched in the hearts of those that he was proud to serve with. He believed in teaching the next generation and in the power of good training. His work ethic was unmatched.
Born James Everett Turner, III on July 16, 1951 to the late James E. Turner, Jr. and Florence Turner, Jamie graduated from John Bassett Moore High School in Smyrna in 1969 and continued his studies at Delaware Technical & Community College.
Those who knew him know he was tough as nails and even tougher on those who he loved the most (just ask his daughters) and, that he believed in you. Jamie expected excellence and if he was pushing you, it was because he knew you were capable of doing better.
Jamie’s work history is impressive, but he never worked to be the center of attention. Though he received accolades and awards throughout his career, they were not why he worked hard. He worked to train thousands of firefighters and first responders and – for more than a decade – was literally the calm in the middle of any storm as the Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.
Jamie served this state as a Dispatcher with the Delaware State Police, a Senior Instructor with the Delaware State Fire School, as Executive Secretary of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association, and served as the Director of DEMA for 13 years, under Governors Minner and Markell. He retired in 2015 and a training room – fittingly – at DEMA was dedicated in his honor. At that ceremony, Governor Markell said, “The citizens of our great state are forever grateful for Jamie’s commitment to public safety.” Jamie simply said he was just doing his job.
In addition to his career, Jamie was always working to make the community a better place through his volunteer work. He joined Clayton Fire Company on October 9, 1966 and was a proud 50-year member. He served as Deputy Chief, Lieutenant, Vice President, Secretary and Director and was named Fireman of the Year in 1975. He was also a life member of Holloway Terrace, Minquas, Delaware City and Smyrna Fire Companies. The firefighters from the Clayton and Smyrna houses were his brothers for more than 60 years. They grew up together; their loyalty to each other and the fire service is unparalleled. He loved them fiercely.
Last, but not least, he was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, and – his favorite role – a Pop Pop. People might be surprised to know that Jamie FaceTimed his grandchildren and texted his daughters every single day to check in. Even when he was sick, Jamie would play tea party or trucks with his grandkids.
Jamie is survived by his wife Debbie, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage and happiness; his daughters Kim Willson (Mike), Katelyn Olson (Sean) and the loves of his life – his grandchildren Keegan and Kolton Olson and Madelyn and Harper Willson. He is also survived by his sister, Melanie Meyers, his “bonus” daughter Laura Wisler, and his lap dog, Holly. He was preceded in death by his brother Stephen Turner. He was so proud of his family, much as they were of him.
Jamie’s family also wants to thank Dr. Rishi Sawhney and the Bayheath oncology team for taking such wonderful care of Jamie over the last few years. Because of them, Jamie had more time here with all of us and we are so grateful.
Please join family and friends in a celebration of Jamie’s life. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 from 11am to 1pm at the Clayton Fire Hall, located at 300 East Street in Clayton. Masonic services will begin at 1pm, followed by the celebration of life services. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clayton Fire Company, c/o Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1050, Clayton, DE 19938.
Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.