Anniston, AL – The Anniston Fire Department and the community gathered to honor the life of Fire Chief Jeffrey Edward Waldrep, who passed away on June 10, 2025, at age 54, following a courageous battle after suffering a heart attack on May 30th.
Chief Waldrep, affectionately known as “Drip” to his childhood friends, leaves behind his beloved wife Christie, daughter Riley and her husband Wesley, and was eagerly anticipating the arrival of his grandchild in August. He is also survived by his parents, Eddie and Brenda Waldrep.
During the moving service, longtime friend and teammate Brent shared heartfelt memories of their friendship spanning from kindergarten days at Heflin Baptist Church—where young Jeff could often be found wearing a fireman’s hat—through their high school athletic careers as quarterback and center, pitcher and catcher. “It was almost like he was destined to be a fireman and ultimately a chief,” Brent reflected.
Chief Waldrep dedicated over 30 years to the fire service, rising through every rank from firefighter to chief. He was remembered not only for his professional excellence but for his compassionate leadership, his commitment to training the next generation of firefighters, and his quiet acts of service throughout the community.
The church service concluded with the presentation of the Martin E. Pierce Medal of Honor, the fire service’s highest recognition. This solid gold medal, inscribed with “dedication, honor, and sacrifice,” ensures Chief Waldrep’s name will be etched into the granite walls of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs.
As a journalist with The Calhoun Journal, I’ve had the privilege of getting close to many first responders in this area. I respect them all, but I got to really know Chief Waldrep. He was extremely proud of his training facility—every time something new came up, he’d call me to meet him there, always eager to share the department’s progress and innovations. His passion for training and developing the next generation of firefighters was evident in every conversation. He will be deeply missed and cannot be replaced.
The impact Chief Waldrep had on his colleagues and community is evident in the countless tributes pouring in from across the region. Anniston Chief Johnnie Phelps reflected, “I got the honor of working close with Jeff since he was Fire Marshal all the way to Chief. He was a wonderful friend and mentor. He taught me how to be a patient and thoughtful leader. He lead from the front with purpose and focus and I will forever be grateful for his friendship. I will always have a void without him here.”
Anniston Chief Brandon Connell emphasized his lasting impact: “Chief Waldrep will be missed. Not only as a great chief and leader but as a great friend as well. He led our department for many years with integrity and never forgot what it was to be a fireman.”
Anniston Captain Jason Brown shared how Chief Waldrep personally mentored him: “Chief Waldrep was more than a Fire Chief and Boss, he was my friend! He took me under his wing and mentored me. Chief taught me how to lead and make decisions not only at work but in life. He cared deeply for the fire service and especially all of us at AFD! He was a ‘Firefighter’s Chief’ who lead with fierce dedication. He never forgot where he started and came from. Everything he did was calculated and well thought out. He was always working behind the scene on doing everything possible to make the fire service better.”
Retired Anniston Chief Chris Collins, who worked closely with Chief Waldrep throughout his career, noted: “Jeff was the Fire Marshall when I was chief, and he was a dedicated professional. He was the first to head the Building and Safety Division of the department where he was able to implement new projects to help keep the community safer. He was a dedicated public servant that would conduct his own research on getting grants for the department. Another little-known thing that many don’t know is that Jeff was also a certified Law Enforcement Officer and he maintained that even after he stopped being Fire Marshall. Both Jeff and Assistant Chief Johnnie Phelps were the driving force to bring the training center to where it is today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, family, and to the entire department.”
Oxford Fire Chief Gary Sparks spoke to Chief Waldrep’s willingness to help others: “I was personal friends with Jeff, and we would help each other often. There was never a question of ‘if it was coming’ it was always ‘what can I do to help’. I will miss him very much and will always feel it was an honor to know him. This is a blow to us all. Our prayers are with the family and the fire department.”
Retired Anniston Fire Chief Tony Taylor highlighted his lasting legacy: “Jeff was a great man and great chief. He helped the Anniston Fire Department to progress to what it is today. Jeff also developed the training center to be known nationally through his leadership and forward looking approach. We will be praying for the family and the department to get through this huge loss. Jeff is going to be missed, and his family will always have the departments honor.”
Jacksonville Chief, Keith Kadle stated, “I have known Jeff my entire career. He was a solid person and a “very very good man”. When he moved into the Chief position we could just talk about anything and did often. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, family, and to the department.”
Weaver Fire Chief Brian Bunn, who worked with Chief Waldrep’s father, shared: “I work with his dad at the Army Depot and have had the pleasure of knowing him well. I have worked with Jeff in many different work groups and found that he is very knowledgeable and always ready to help others. We have also worked fire calls together on occasion and I learned that he works the problem to get the solution. He will be missed by many.”
Community leaders also shared their memories. Anniston Mayor Ciara Smith remembered: “Chief Waldrep was a good man, and he was literally that calm, cool, and collected person. I was close to him and went to high school with his daughter. He was a fun loving and always was very encouraging as the chief but was also excellent at being a better man. He was much more than just a Chief.”
Anniston Police Chief Nick Bowles reflected on their professional relationship: “Chief Waldrep was a good friend and public servant. This sudden tragedy is going to a long time to overcome. He was an excellent leader and would go the extra mile for his service. He will be missed.”
Senator Keith Kelley remembered him as more than a leader: “Chief Waldrep was more than a leader, he was a servant to his community, and a friend to all who knew him. His courage, dedication, and kindness will never be forgotten. His example sets an example for all of us to follow. It’s an honor to be his friend.”
Sheriff Falon Hurst noted his professionalism and character: “Chief Waldrep was always helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging with everyone he came into contact with. Both he and I graduated from the Leadership Calhoun County (a ten-month program given by the Calhoun Chamber of Commerce). He was and exceptionally professional public servant. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
At the graveside service, rain began to fall as the Chief’s body was brought to its final resting place. Chief Waldrep’s widow received the folded American flag in a solemn flag presentation, while the graveside service included the traditional ringing of the bells, signifying the end of the Chief’s service. Survival Flight 23 flew overhead in tribute as the service concluded. Firefighters stood at full salute with tears streaming down their faces.
As one speaker noted, Chief Waldrep measured his life not in years, but in the courage to serve others “one day at a time, one call at a time, one person at a time.” His legacy lives on in the department he built and the countless lives he touched throughout his devoted career. In a final radio call for unit 901, dispatchers signed off with the moving words, “We’ll take it from here.”
