Assistant Chief Steve Perry helped build the Russellville Fire Department’s EMS program into what it is today. Now, the firefighters who worked alongside him want to make sure his contributions aren’t forgotten.
The department is raising money for a permanent memorial plaque honoring Perry, who died in March at age 50 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The plaque will be displayed at the department’s Central Fire Station, with a dedication planned for March 28, 2027, the first anniversary of his death.
But the firefighters have another goal in mind, too.
They’re hoping to raise enough money to not only pay for the memorial, but also get a cancer screening program started for the department’s firefighters.
The fundraising goal is $4,000. Anything raised beyond the cost of the plaque will go toward establishing the screening program, which would help firefighters access screenings and potentially catch cancer earlier.
It’s a cause that hits close to home for the department. Firefighters face an increased risk of certain cancers because of the hazardous substances they’re exposed to on the job, and Perry’s death has made the issue especially personal.
Perry, who lived in Pottsville, had a long career in emergency services that took him well beyond the River Valley.
He started with the Blytheville Fire Department before moving to the Memphis Fire Department, where he spent 15 years. While in Tennessee, he also served with Tennessee Task Force One, a FEMA urban search and rescue team trained to respond to major disasters.
He later spent nine years with Survival Flight, working as a flight paramedic, base manager and human resources director.
Perry also played an important role in bringing Survival Flight to Russellville. The air ambulance service opened its helicopter base in Russellville in July 2016, giving the River Valley another option for transporting critically ill and injured patients.
He went on to serve as Russellville’s Assistant Chief of EMS and Special Operations, where he helped establish the fire-based ambulance service the department operates today. He also served as fire chief in Pottsville.
“Some people leave an impact that goes far beyond their years of service. Assistant Chief Steve Perry was one of those people,” the department wrote in announcing the fundraiser.
The memorial plaque will recognize his leadership and contributions to the department, while the proposed cancer screening program would carry on another part of his legacy — looking out for the people around him.
Anyone who would like to contribute to the Assistant Chief Steve Perry Memorial Fund can donate in one of three ways:
For more information, contact the department at 479-968-2332 or russellvillefire@russellvillear.gov.
