JANUARY 2, 2020
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ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
‘So long to our Superman’ South Metro Fire’s Troy Jackson was known to make others laugh BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
After a 6 1/2-year battle with cancer, Troy Jackson called on South Metro Fire Rescue Chief Bob Baker and another high-level member of the agency to talk the afternoon before he died. And, in his trademark humor, he said: “Missed it by that much.” That was Troy. Baker told that story on stage at the memorial service Dec. 20 for Jackson, Jackson a former South Metro assistant chief of operations who died at age 51 after fighting a rare jobrelated terminal cancer. But the years of illness couldn’t shake the man who became an inspirational figure in the fire agency, remembered as steadfastly moral and always willing to help. Some words loved ones used to describe Jackson: Superman. He had a childlike grin. Christ-follower. Softball co-coach. “Troy laid many bricks in South Metro’s foundation,” Baker said. “Our fitness and wellness program is one of those bricks.” SEE JACKSON, P7
Fire rescue personnel stand watch at the casket of former South Metro Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Troy Jackson Dec. 20 at Denver First Church Of The Nazarene in Cherry Hills Village. ELLIS ARNOLD
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“After a tumultuous time in our nation, in 2020, I want the community to come together and work collaboratively for the good of all.” Tyler Brown, Arapahoe County sheriff | Page 2 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 10 | CALENDAR: PAGE 13 | SPORTS: PAGE 12
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VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 3