When Dave joined the Springfield Fire Department in 1999, he was an active member of the Army Reserves. As Dave worked his way through the fire academy, apprenticeship program and paramedic school, it became obvious that he was going to be a leader. Dave would not be content just learning the basics of firefighting. He received the opportunity to join the Hazardous Incident Rescue Team, one of the more technical jobs within the Division and accepted. He also joined the Clark County Rescue dive team, no doubt utilizing his earlier training as a Navy Diver.
Around the firehouse, Dave was soon known for his quick wit and infectious smile. He was more than a co-worker. He had become our brother who was always available to help with a project, a move, or a fund raiser. One particular day Dave knew another firefighter was out of town when a storm dropped six inches of snow in Springfield. Arriving with his shovel, he cleared the driveway before anyone knew he was there. We later learned that Dave and his shovel were traveling around town that morning, helping others as well, without waiting to be asked.
In 2003, Dave’s Army Reserve unit (the 346th Psyop Company) was called to duty for OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom). During this deployment, Dave would leave behind a wife and two young children. He went without complaint, and was gone for more than a year. Dave was awarded the Bronze Star; although many of us on the department were never aware of that high honor until his funeral. He never bragged about his awards or achievements.
Dave was called to duty again for OIF in 2008. His third tour was spent in Kuwait with the Ohio National Guard HQ 37th Special Troops Battalion. He spent another year away from his family, but returned with his sense of humor and an enthusiasm for his new position as Lieutenant on the fire department. Having been promoted while deployed, Dave began to lead his new crew, encouraging them through the Internet and phone conversations before he could return. Just three months later Dave began having an unexplainable abdominal pain at the fire station, which was later found to be cancer.
He would then begin a greater fight, learning as much as he could about his disease, trying different chemo treatments to combat this unidentifiable fast growing cancer. During his illness, Dave became a champion and role model for other cancer patients. He continued to volunteer at charity events and gave comfort to his brother firefighters when they suffered their own tragedies.
Dave had a tremendous faith in God and was convinced that if it was His will he would be healed. He shared that faith with others encouraging them and assuring them that if it were his time to go that he was prepared and that he had lived his life without regret.
In our line of work as firefighters, we are often referred to as heroes. Dave Edwards accomplished more in 38 years than most of us can hope to achieve in a lifetime. Dave is our hero, we will miss him, and he will be remembered in our hearts forever.
With Great Respect,
His family, friends,
and brothers from Station 8
Lt. Dan Beekman has been a member of the fire department for 22 years. He worked with Dave Edwards at Station One on the Hazardous Incident Response Team.
Charlie McGrevy, a member of the fire department for 8 1/2 years, is assigned at Company 8. He worked along side Dave Edwards and was deployed with him to Kuwait with the Ohio National Guard in 2008.