By Ryan Seals
News & Record
Copyright 2007 News & Record
All Rights Reserved
SUMMERFIELD, N.C. — Capt. Allen Staley dedicated his life to the fire service. For the Summerfield Fire Department and his colleagues at other area departments, it seemed only fitting to dedicate their service to him.
In spirit, the 15-year fire department veteran is back on call, with a rescue truck dedicated to his memory. Staley died from a rare form of stomach cancer in June 2004 at age 32.
“His life revolved around the fire department,” said Chris Johnson, Staley’s long-time friend and member of the Greensboro Fire Department. “He was such an inspiration to new volunteers. He would always bend over backwards for the fire department. You could always count on him.”
In December, at the end-of-the-year firefighters appreciation dinner, area departments surprised Staley’s family with the dedication. The Summerfield department placed a plaque in his honor on the truck last week.
“It brought tears (when it was announced),” said Allena Staley, Allen’s mother. “I was just so tickled that they still loved Allen enough to want to do that. We were overwhelmed.”
Allena Staley said despite the situation Allen was faced with, the disease brought out the very best in the normally quiet, shy man she had raised.
“It brought the true Allen out,” Allena Staley said. “Before he found out he had cancer, he was shy to where if he came into a room talking to you, he couldn’t look at you for a few minutes. (After the diagnosis) he was more outgoing. His spirits, I think, were surprisingly good, because you never know how you would handle a situation until it was in your lap to deal with.”
She said she’s forever grateful to the Summerfield Fire Department and other firefighters who helped her son through his battle with cancer. She recalled the time Allen wanted to see his brother, Calvin, graduate from naval training in Pensacola, Fla. The fire department rented an RV, and four firefighters accompanied the family on the trip, giving Allen a bed to sleep in.
“The last week he lived, they were in and out of the house seeing him. I just left the back door unlocked,” Allena Staley said. “They’ve been so good to the family throughout his illness. They stood by him and gave him support.”