harrison township fire department michigan

We kept in touch via phone and FaceTime, but it wasn’t like having us there to support him. Due to COVID restrictions, he had to spend most of his hospitalizations alone. The pain worsened as we entered the pandemic, and on April 14, 2020, our lives changed forever when he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He sought out medical advice from multiple practitioners. In late 2019, Clay began having excruciating back pain. He was so skilled that word of mouth kept him busy building fence on his non-duty days.

Although he sold the business many times, customers would call and ask for his expertise, so he was back in business. When Clay was 18, he started a fencing business, which became his side job once he became a career firefighter. He listened to all genres of music, but country was his favorite. He enjoyed a leisurely horseback ride, a casual game of golf, and being in the water. He was an active member of the Miami County Fair Board for many years. He was Fair King, raised large animals, and had a grand champion pig. Growing up, Clay participated in 4-H, played football, and wrestled. He was also an amazing friend, willing to lend a hand when needed. He was a hands-on dad, always in the yard playing games with his kids or taking a bike ride with his family. Clay was the biggest supporter and cheerleader for his children. He was so funny that he laughed at his own jokes. Clay was an amazing officer, highly respected by his firehouse brothers and sisters.Ĭlay loved and was dearly loved by his family. He was full-time at Harrison Township Fire Department in Dayton, where he was promoted to lieutenant in September 2018. He worked part-time for Trotwood Fire and Rescue, Vandalia Fire Department, and Springfield Township Fire Department. He began as a volunteer for Casstown Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a lieutenant. Clay was born January 8, 1971, in Troy, Ohio, where he lived until his death on July 14, 2020.Ĭlay graduated from Miami East High School and took firefighter, EMT, and paramedic courses at Sinclair Community College and Clark State Community College.

Harrison township fire department michigan