The Flagstaff community is mourning the loss of a dedicated hero, Deputy Fire Chief Jerry Bills, who passed away on October 9th, as confirmed by the Flagstaff Fire Department. Bills, a stalwart of the fire service with nearly four decades under his belt, spent 19 years with the department, shaping it with his leadership and compassionate mentorship.
During his tenure, Chief Bills played a critical role in acquiring close to $7 million in grants, which elevated not only the Flagstaff Fire Department but also aided surrounding agencies. According to a statement from the city, his efforts brought essential training, equipment, and leadership development to the region, leaving a lasting imprint on its emergency services. One of his notable contributions was securing funds for the Summit Fire and Medical District, acquiring resources ranging from water tenders to diesel exhaust removal systems, reducing the risk of cancer for firefighters.
Honors are being prepared to celebrate Bills' legacy, with full Line of Duty Death honors, reflective of his profound impact. Details about the memorial services are forthcoming, allowing the community to pay their respects to a man who lived a life of service. Despite their grief, the Fire Department expressed their wishes for privacy for the Bills family during this time.
The civic-minded spirit of Chief Bills is encapsulated in a quote shared by the department: “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” These words, originally spoken by Albert Pike, resonate as a true reflection of Bills’ service-oriented life. Those wishing to reach out or requesting further information about Chief Bills’ memorial are encouraged to contact the department through their email, [email protected].
