Fallen Claremore Fire Captain Jason Farley Remembered At Service

A memorial service paid tribute to fallen Claremore Fire Captain Jason Farley who died saving a family during a water rescue last week.

Saturday, May 30th 2015, 2:56 pm

By: Dee Duren

Fallen Claremore Fire Captain Jason Farley Remembered At Service

A service for fallen Claremore Fire Captain Jason Farley memorialized a man who was larger than life, passionate and committed to serving others.

First responders from several states appeared in tribute to their fallen brother who died during a water rescue last week, showing support for his widow and daughter.

Claremore firefighter Zane James, who was injured trying to save Farley's life, was released from the hospital in time for the funeral procession which went through Claremore before the service.

Farley was a 19-year veteran who died helping a family stranded in high water.

5/29/2015 Related Story: First Responders Gather To Pay Tribute To Fallen Claremore Firefighter

Claremore Fire Chief Sean Douglas said they were there to honor Farley's sacrifice, calling him, "a hell of a man," and the picture of a dedicated firefighter.

"Jason led a brave and heroic life, and how his soul must shine," Douglas said.

Farley, 44, is survived by his wife Shelli and daughter Hannah, as well as other family members.

Battalion Chief Ken Willhoite said Farley treated everyone he met like a long lost friend. Willhoite said "Farley," as he liked to be known, was an enthusiastic man who loved to play practical jokes.

Willhoite said Farley had strong emotions and a good sense of humor, especially about himself.

"You couldn't help but enjoy being around him," he said.

Farley will be remembered as a great firefighter, a great husband, father, son and friend, according to IAFF Local 1077 President Chris Hayes.

"We're going to carry his legacy forward," he said.

Farley reportedly was offered a promotion in the department, but decided to stay as a captain because he loved being out on calls serving the community.

"In all honesty, Farley is one of those guys that could've been a professional athlete in my opinion -- his strength, his body, his talents -- he's that caliber of person," CFD's Jason Crandall said. "But his heart was in the fire service."

Verdigris Fire Chief Mike Shaffer said he has been forever changed by Farley's death and the brotherhood he's experienced as a result. He remembered the veteran firefighter as someone whose passion for life and his work couldn't be suppressed."Farley was larger than life," he said. "Everyone knew him."

He was a living example of a firefighter who thrived in moments of crisis and was a friend to the community at large.

"Farley was a difference maker," Shaffer said. "That was the foundation of his life."

After the firefighter's prayer, widow Shelli Farley said her husband wouldn't like to be the center of so much attention, but he would always be her hero.