CLEARFIELD – Last night the Clearfield County Department of Emergency Services and the Lawrence Township Fire Company No. 1 announced the passing of firefighter, Jeffrey Scott Buck, 18, of Clearfield.
Buck was critically injured one week ago while fighting a house fire in the 700 block of Daisy Street in the East End area of Clearfield Borough. Buck served his community with the Lawrence Township Fire Company.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce the line-of-duty death of firefighter Jeffrey Buck. Jeff passed away today [from] his injuries after putting his life on the line fighting a structure fire in Clearfield,” states a post from the Clearfield County Fire Wire Facebook page.
“Jeff was a firefighter at Lawrence Township Fire Company and also an admin of the Clearfield County Fire Wire. He was a major help to our growth and success. Fly high brother. We will take it from here.”
Other area fire and emergency service departments also said goodbye to Buck on Facebook.
A post on behalf of the Karthaus Ambulance Service reads: “The Karthaus Ambulance Service sends its condolences to the family and friends of firefighter Jeff Buck. This young man gave his life in the line of duty while serving others with the Lawrence Township Fire Department No. 5.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the Buck and Mitchell families and also with the brothers and sisters of the Lawrence Township Fire Department No. 5. We thank you Jeff for your ultimate sacrifice in the service of others, [and] your example of courage will forever be an inspiration to all of us.”
The Karthaus Ambulance Service post continues: “May you rest in peace and be forever remembered by those of us who continue to serve. ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that he who lay down his life for his friends.’”
A Facebook post on behalf of the Columbia Fire Company reads: “With sad hearts, we announce the passing of firefighter Jeffrey Scott Buck, 18, of Lawrence Township Fire Company No. 1.
“Last Tuesday a roof collapsed at a third-alarm fire in Clearfield, trapping him [Buck] along with two other firefighters. He is now above looking down on all of us.
“We send our absolute deepest thoughts and prayers to his family, the Lawrence Township Fire Company and all of the brothers and sisters of the emergency services.
“Jeff, you have done your part and we thank you for your service. We got it from here. [May you] rest in peace firefighter Jeff Buck.”
Community members have united through social media to honor Buck’s sacrifice with “Porch Lights for Buck.” “Please turn your porch lights on 3/10/15 to honor Jeff’s life and dedication to our community,” writes the creator of the Facebook group.
Members of the Facebook group have vowed their “lights will be on” for Buck at their homes in the Clearfield, Curwensville, DuBois and Osceola Mills areas. Members have also joined to honor Buck’s life from afar at homes in Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska.
Area businesses plan to honor Buck and help his family, as well. Scotto’s Pizzeria of Clearfield will donate half of its total sales March 16 to the Jeff Buck Foundation. Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub will host a special salute in honor of Buck and a boot drive to help his family from 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. March 17.