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Randy E.
("Randy" or "Carp") CARPENTER
Oregon
Coos Bay
Fire Department
A
career firefighter, Capt. Randy E. Carpenter, 46, died November 25,
2002, when the burning roof of a business in downtown Coos Bay
collapsed. Two volunteer firefighters also died battling the blaze.
Randy had been a firefighter for a total of 23 years, beginning his
career as a volunteer, then full-time with the Baker City Fire
Department, before moving to a position with the Coos Bay Fire
Department in February 1989. He was Baker City"s 1983
"Firefighter of the Year", and Coos Bay"s 1991
"Firefighter of the Year". He was also Coos Bay"s 1999
"EMT of the Year".
Randy's interest in firefighting began early in his life when he
would accompany his father, a volunteer firefighter for Baker City
for 46 years. During the time he was a volunteer, Randy was very
active in the Oregon Volunteer Firefighter Association and served in
all State Association offices, including president. Randy was a
consummate professional and was highly qualified in all operational
and procedural aspects of his job. He was part of the original
efforts to bring a hazardous materials unit to Coos Bay and was a
specialist in HAZMAT. He was qualified and certified to teach all
subjects of firefighting and regularly taught courses in CPR and EMT
Basic at the local college in Coos Bay. He took great pride in his
job and treasured the trust and respect of all his firefighter
brethren. He was an active member of the International Association of
Firefighters, IAFF, Local 2935 (serving as President in 1991), and
the Regional Hazardous Materials Team. He was also skilled in
construction and built a successful contracting business with his
good friend Jim Bush.
The
love of family was very foremost in Randy's life. He was so proud of
and totally dedicated to his two girls, Sarah and Stephanie, with
priority in providing for their needs. His parents, Wayne and Dru,
three brothers, Kerry, Brad, and Jeff, their spouses and families,
and his companion, Christine Farmer-Benson, also survive him.
Randy was usually very successful when he took his boat out
"crabbing", and was always happy when he could take time to
go water-skiing, at which he was very adept. He especially loved
spending time in Eastern Oregon (Dad & Mom referred to him as
their "homing pigeon") where he would hunt deer, elk, and
antelope, along with working with longtime friends on the Bunch Ranch
near Durkee. While Randy had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed
playing a practical joke, he never wanted the limelight, just a way
to be of help. His honesty and integrity were unquestionable. All his
family and his countless friends who were like family to him will
miss Randy beyond description.
The
Randy Carpenter Memorial Firefighter Training Fund has been
established to provide funds to aid in needed training for Oregon
State and Southwest Idaho firefighters and emergency personnel.
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