Steve Keffer

7/23/1961 – 8/9/2023

Steve Keffer, a beloved father, husband, firefighter and paramedic, passed away unexpectedly in his home in Phoenix, AZ this week. It’s not easy to write this post. It’s not easy to imagine a world without Steve. But it is easy to talk about the remarkable human Steve was, and the amazing, full, and beautiful life he lived. As word of Steve’s passing has traveled through our crews, almost every person has responded with a favorite Steve Story – stories that are universally filled with laughter, camaraderie, and just the right amount of mischief. And we invite everyone who knew and loved our Papa Steve to share their favorite memories below.

Steve joined our team back in 2021, initially to help with our Covid Vaccine Clinics, but his true passion has always been with our Wildland Team. From the beginning of the season to the absolute last day, Steve would commit himself 100% to Adventure Medics, the fires, and the safety and protection of every firefighter on the line. He had just returned from a 21-day deployment in New Mexico, where he celebrated his 62nd birthday – and couldn’t have been happier to be celebrating on the fireline. His partner on the line has shared countless stories from their late roll – Steve out digging line with the crews, tending to their needs, and bringing the entire medical tent to side-splitting laughter. He was one of the brightest and most vibrant personalities in the room during every orientation, and we relied on his passion, experience, and competence to help propel all our members forward. He was an excellent firefighter and paramedic and leaves behind an impossible hole to fill.

Steve committed himself to a lifetime of service as a first responder. He began working as a firefighter and paramedic for Albuquerque Fire in 1993. He served his city for 25 years before retiring as a Fire Captain in 2017. At this point, most ordinary humans would be ready to unlace their boots and take a well-deserved break, but Steve was not nearly ready to sit still. He served as a firefighter/paramedic for the Pueblo of Laguna for the next year. His passion for medicine, patient care, and determination for knowledge and self-improvement was truly never ending. While working for us in the summers at Adventure Medics, Steve spent his winters at Emergency Department of a Level One Trauma Center in Phoenix. There are very few people in this world who have given this much of themselves to other people. But that was Steve. And there is truly nobody like Steve.

Outside of work, Steve was an avid outdoorsman, a rock climber, cyclist, and person who could find the joy and laughter in any situation. But most importantly, Steve was a dedicated and loving father and husband. He leaves behind his wife, Lisa, and their four children: Maclaren (19), Finlay (17), Liam (14), and Kayde (14). Please hold Steve’s family in your hearts and thoughts as they navigate this impossible time. All the donations from this GoFundMe will be heading directly to support Lisa and her children.

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Steve, thank you for being you. Your light, your laughter, your passion. Your impromptu dance parties on the side of the fireline. And everything you’ve given to us and the world. Rest easy, Brother. We will take it from here.