Recently retired Willits fire chief found dead in garage

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Recently retired Willits fire chief found dead in garage

Fire Chief Jeff Smith Little Lake Fire Department

A retired Little Lake Fire Chief Jeff Smith
has died from what early reports indicate may have been exhaust from a car he was working on inside a garage on Sherwood Road, near Willits, about 5:30 p.m. Monday.

Geoffrey Perry Smith, 60, was Little Lake fire chief for many years. Smith's death appears to be accidental unless toxicology and autopsy reports indicate otherwise, the Sheriff's Office stated.

Smith's body was found in the garage by his family. Little Lake Fire Department Chief Shane Burke called Ukiah Ambulance and paramedics confirmed Smith was dead, a Tuesday report from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office stated.

Family members said he had been feeling ill and had said he was going home to work on his vehicle and rest, MCSO stated.

He is survived by his wife Jann, and sons Shawn and Chad.

Smith retired in March 2008 after serving the Willits community as a firefighter for 31 years.

Smith received an unprecedented two Medals of Valor from the California State Fire Fighters Association.

Funeral arrangements: Will be posted here, details are still pending.

Cal Fire news expresses its condolences to Smith's family.

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Wednesday, February 4, 2009