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Remembering
John Paul Memory, II
Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department — Virginia
Classification: Volunteer
Rank: Firefighter/EMT
Date of Death: September 16, 2006
Age: 19
John Paul Memory II, affectionately known
as “JP” by friends and family, collapsed
while participating in an extrication
demonstration and died in
the line of duty on September 16,
2006. Born in Newport News,
Virginia, on March 11, 1987,
JP was raised in Isle of Wight
County and was a 2006
Smithfield High School
graduate. He was truly
an Isle of Wight County
man; as he mentioned is
his Senior Biography, “I
would not want to live
anywhere else.”There are
three things JP loved and
enjoyed in life: family,
NASCAR, and community
service.
JP loved the family life and
was there for babysitting for his
niece and nephew, spending the
night with his great-grandmother,
and holding her hand when she
passed away. In his Senior Biography
he wrote, “The two biggest influences
in my life are my grandpa and Scott Brower,
Assistant Fire Chief of the Carrollton Volunteer Fire
Department.”
JP was an avid Earnhardt and NASCAR fan and
enjoyed collecting cars and going to the races
throughout the country, particularly at Richmond
International Raceway. In his Senior Biography he
wrote, “I always journey to different races throughout
the year. We will get a camper, get a bunch of us
together, and go to the races for the weekend. It is one
of the best times you can have.”
Even though JP was only nineteen years old,
he was devoted to his community and
Isle of Wight County, Virginia, for
over three years as one of the most
active members of the Carrollton
Volunteer Fire Department.
JP wanted to be a firefighter
more than anything. He was
consumed with this passion,
and somehow he managed
to successfully juggle high
school with firefighting.
During his brief but active
period, JP’s contribution
to the community
did not go unnoticed.
In 2004, he received the
Chief’s Award—an award
that recognizes leaders
within the fire department.
In 2005, JP received the prestigious
Firefighter of the Year
award— an honorary award
bestowed upon him by his peers
and co-firefighters.
JP was on his way to becoming a career
firefighter. He was scheduled to enter the
Southside Regional Fire Academy in Portsmouth in
October 2006, to continue his education in firefighting
and emergency medical services.
At the age of 19, JP has left us, but his spirit lives on. It
is our sincere hope that other young people will hear
his story and choose to pursue an equally noble path.
We have all learned that age does not limit a person’s
character and ability. JP Memory has challenged all of
us to follow our dreams.