Tim Smith: Beloved Local Firefighter Is Victim of Shooting

Tim Smith [Photo provided by Briceland Fire]

Tim Smith [Photo provided by Briceland Fire]

Firefighters, friends and family throughout Humboldt are mourning the shooting death of Captain Timothy Thomas Smith (age 42) of the Fortuna Fire Department on Monday. (See here for earlier story.) “We’re brokenhearted,” explained Diana Totten, spokesperson for Briceland Fire. “Our team worked with him on a strike team to Lake County and Big Sur…Working side by side during the fires, we bonded with him.”

Rio Dell Fire posted on their Facebook page, “Our flag is at half mast and will remain there until our brother is laid to rest.”

Smith’s brother, John Heflin, told us, “Tim worked fiercely with everyone that he was fighting fires with. He loved helping the community out with his heart and soul. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all co-workers he had including the ones he had help putting out the fires in other counties. He is one of our ‘never forgotten heroes.'”

Bridgeville Fire Department posted on their Facebook page that Smith was “one of the original members who helped form the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department. He was there when we responded to our first call.”

The post said, “His talents were many. With his special training he trained us. His passion pushed us to [be] better firefighters. His dedication and bravery helped people on the worst days of their lives. He loved being a firefighter even on his days off… from the Bridgeville School [where he had been a maintenance worker] he would respond to our community, when we were in need.”

Tim Smith firefighter Fortuna

Tim Smith sharing his hat with a prospective firefighter. [Permission to use the photo from the parent of the child. We would like to credit the photographer if s/he contacts us.]

Smith was known for his involvement in the community. He played the Santa at Bridgeville Community school the last several years. He was a valued member of the Eel River Valley Technical Resource Team where he was Team Commander.

Smith was part of the Valley Fire and the Soberanes Fire strike teams formed from Humboldt firefighters last year. (The two included photos show him on the Soberanes Fire.) “The way I will always remember him is we were both choking on the same smoke, fire everywhere, and he turned to me and grinned,” said Diana Totten. “That’s who I remember. I knew in his heart he was a fireman.”

She explained that there is a powerful connection between firefighters. “We rely on each other’s training and knowledge. It is very seldom that in the world we live in that you would trust your life to someone, but in the fire service we do and that creates the strong bond we have with each other. And that’s why we are especially broken when one of our own loses his life. It affects us strongly.”

Rio Dell Fire’s post recognized the connection not only with the man who died but with his fellow firefighters who shared the same department with him. “Our deepest sympathies go out to our brothers and sisters of Fortuna Fire,” they posted last night. “Today is a very sad day in the Eel River Valley. We mourn their loss as if it was our own and offer our support in any way… .”

Then they added, “Rest peaceful Tim. You will be missed.”

Tim Smith [Photo provided by Briceland Fire]

Tim Smith on the right.[Photo provided by Briceland Fire]

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Gazoo
Guest
Gazoo
7 years ago

That is such a nice write up!
We were all with Tim one time in fort Bragg ab diving, an older man came up to us and said his buddy was having problems, Tim and our buddies just dropped down the cliff to attempt to help the man out, the man didn’t make it unfortunately but that’s just the kind of man tim is, he was put here to help others and were going to miss you Tim.
So sad that so many of my friends have passed in the last few years and the way they have been taken away…

Rest In Peace Tim! you made a huge difference in the world we all live in.

Gazoo
Guest
Gazoo
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Another time we were in fort Bragg and Tim somehow shot himself in the heel with his new speargun, he wasn’t half as hurt as he was mad he couldn’t ab anymore, the crazy dude would paddle a kayak out to set crab traps in humbay, he has balls the size of the moon.

Who
Guest
Who
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Cause you’re always deny the truth Kim even when your own family has suffered

Who
Guest
Who
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

But they never had to leave if it wasn’t for the darkness .

Karen Davis
Guest
Karen Davis
7 years ago
Reply to  Gazoo

Tim had a big heart and he was so easy to love. We love and miss you so much

Humanityfirst
Guest
Humanityfirst
7 years ago

Thanks for the wonderful story. This is just so devastating. A beautiful life lost through such a senseless act of murder. Prayers for the family, friends and the community who is grieving this loss 🙁

MJK
Guest
MJK
7 years ago

Our community lost a good man yesterday. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family. All the negative comments left by many people who didn’t know him in the previous articles regarding this senseless act make me disgusted and pissed off. If you don’t know don’t speculate or jump to your own conclusions, and stop talking shit.

J
Guest
J
7 years ago

Come on!!! I of course don’t understand killing anyone, but to kill someone that has risked his life for others over and over again is just….I’m at a loss for words. R.I.P. Tim

John Heflin
Guest
John Heflin
7 years ago
Reply to  J

It’s hard for a family member, I looked up to Tim as a role model

Courtney Eggel
Guest
Courtney Eggel
7 years ago
Reply to  John Heflin

I’m sorry John Heflin. Love you friend

Laurie church
Guest
Laurie church
7 years ago

Kym. That is my son cade church- parrott. You have my permission. Tim has been a large part of our lives for many many years. His family is our family.

Rusty Cage
Guest
Rusty Cage
7 years ago

Thank you, Kym.

It’s good to know more about and remember the man he was, the good he did, and the qualities and character that made him special and important to the community.

Richelle
Guest
Richelle
7 years ago

Thank you Kym , Thank you… R.I.P. My brother

Who
Guest
Who
7 years ago

There’s good and bad In just about everybody this story did a good job of painting one side of the story somehow I think the other side you don’t want to speak of . But as I’ve said before it doesn’t change the reality there is a dark side of the story . The Bridgeville connection the marijuana connection you’ll ignore it because it’s not the story you want to write .

Connie Griffith-ONeal
Guest
Connie Griffith-ONeal
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

I did not know him, but may he rest in peace. Thank you Kym for keeping this about the murder of a man that gave endlessly to our communities. Period!

Pooh Daddy
Guest
Pooh Daddy
7 years ago

Maybe he shouldn’t have given quite so much…

guest
Guest
guest
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

excellent stating of “this is not the time nor place” ,however please keep in mind that the rest of truth DOES HAVE a place and time not far away.

Gazoo
Guest
Gazoo
7 years ago
Reply to  Who

Here’s a bit of Tims dark side for ya;
Tim also liked to get butt naked and dance and run and jump over the camp fire, put that in your file bud!

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Sounds like my kind of deer camp with first backstrap of the season. Those were the days, my friends, we thought they would never end. What a joke: oh yeah, Tim’s “dark” side, he grew some weed and got the munchies for “fast” food. Imagine living in Humboldt for decades and still never getting it. Very sad. Condolences to the friends, family, and community.

YDK
Guest
YDK
7 years ago
Reply to  Gazoo

“Jump over”, you mean fall in it. Tim was a great guy.

Carissa
Guest
Carissa
7 years ago
Reply to  Gazoo

I’ve seen more of my uncle in those days as a kid then I had ever wanted to see in my life…. he was a good guy and will be more than missed. Loved the fort Bragg stories btw. I have a few of my own lol ♡

Seamus
Guest
Seamus
7 years ago
Reply to  Gazoo

Huh, I guess I have a dark side too.

Willits
Guest
Willits
7 years ago
Reply to  Gazoo

I had to laugh at this the first time I met him we were at usal with jimmy my cousin Brian and all my family and tim started walking in the fire he said he’s the fire walker I laughed then he decided to do a cartwheel thru the fire long story short he missed the fire accidentally kicking me in the face he was devastated I was mad at first but he was the sweetest thing I’ve loved him since sad thing is he left his wife and two boys and many family and friends that are going to miss him dearly 😒

Dan Fuller
Guest
Dan Fuller
7 years ago
Reply to  Who

I have known Tim for a lot of years he is my wife’s cousin he was NOT nor has he EVER been involved in the Cannabis trade!!! Except possibly when someone’s crop/ house /WTF ever wa on fire & he was attempting to put it out!!!! [edit]

Jj
Guest
Jj
7 years ago
Reply to  Dan Fuller

Second that!!! Thank you

Bridgeville 365
Guest
Bridgeville 365
7 years ago
Reply to  Jj

Third that! He and his wife made a good effort to set a good example for his kids and their friends. Even the most law-abiding of us in Humboldt have friends and family in the industry. How could you not?

Ann
Guest
Ann
7 years ago
Reply to  Who

[edit] No one deserves to die like this no matter the ciumstances. Hopefully when you grow up you will have a soft heart and learn compassion.

anna
Guest
anna
7 years ago
Reply to  Who

unless you know the truth, quit speculating, PLEASE!!!!!

Doig
Guest
Doig
7 years ago
Reply to  Who

I know the story behind his death and weed & the darkside you speak of regarding this story actually has no reason as to why he lost his life. So quit trolling and trying to talk down on a man that has obviously impacted the community in a great way.

Tina
Guest
Tina
7 years ago

The man lost his life yesterday and you’re concerned about the other side of the story? so what if he was involved with marijuana so is 90% of Humboldt County..Get a life and worry about your own shortcomings..

Gabriel
Guest
Gabriel
7 years ago
Reply to  Tina

Really though right!?, man puts his life on the line again and again and your worried about him not fulfilling some ridiculous concept of a perfect hero? If the worst thing he did was MAYBE smoke marijuana, and perhaps sell that harmless substance on a few occasions (never knew the man but that seems to be what is implied) to make a bit of cash on the side? What’s wrong with you that that is your concern in this, even assuming that were true, the man was a hero and nobody deserves to go like that even if they aren’t… if you don’t like the illegal marijuana trade, help legalize it because it isn’t going away… but that’s enough about about totally unrelated issue when a good mans life has just ended far too soon…..

Who
Guest
Who
7 years ago
Reply to  Tina

Because it’s a fraud it’s a black mark on our society and it’s bringing this county and this community into a place it shouldn’t be .A place full of addiction and drugs and your cannabis is a large part of it whether you like it or not who cares anymore it’s the truth.

Fortucky
Guest
Fortucky
7 years ago
Reply to  Who

Geeze, who cares what you think STFU! A man is dead have some respect!!!!

Buzz
Guest
Buzz
7 years ago
Reply to  Who

I call BS on your insinuation and using this forum for bitter-critter gossip about a much-loved community member. I wholeheartedly salute this guy for his contributions and if you can’t get past the fact that cannabis saturates our region than move to Nebraska.

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
7 years ago
Reply to  Who

The black mark is on a society that could have dealt with drugs in a uniform fact-based basis, especially where cannabis is concerned. Society gets what it deseves from bad policy. By all accounts, Tim was a valued, productive, and contributing member of the community despite his involvement wih the industry. Wow, “who” knew? Been that way since the ’70’s but “who” spends too much time with crappy headlines and not enough time in the community. We have a chance to change “policy” in November.

Who
Guest
Who
7 years ago

It’s not just about Tim it’s about an illegitimate industry destroying the legitimate economy for its own self interest and greed . And using lawyers to sue to do the job under the cover of nonprofits really disingenuous when it comes right down to it but factual .

Stop & Think
Guest
Stop & Think
7 years ago
Reply to  Who

Hey Who…[edit]

Nobody deserves to get killed over a stupid plant.

The absurd and fruitless pursuit of prohibition for which you advocate has victimized thousands of innocents, including those who have been murdered, imprisoned or otherwise disenfranchised and overwhelmed by the costly related fines & penalties.

There are viable, alternative solutions that are thoughtful, considerate, reasonable, compassionate, enforceable, realistic & taxable: the urgency for fundamental change to current cannabis policies is highlighted precisely by these unspeakable tragedies.

Bob B
Guest
Bob B
7 years ago
Reply to  Who

This is about Tim, and sharing memories and thoughts of him[edit]. At some point, you should ask yourself why you are so filled with anger and hatred, I really don’t think you see the way you look past people’s feelings only to argue and rant. Either you are in this world to help or hurt, and Tim was here to help, we can’t afford to lose people like him in this world, so STOP disrespecting his honor. Also, you probably wouldn’t be so harsh towards others if you had to post your actual name. RIP Tim, you were a good man, and a hell of an ab diver! You will be missed

Zen
Guest
Zen
7 years ago

So very sorry for the loss of life. Prayers to family and friends. May the murderer be held accountable for his actions. No one wins with something like this.

Joe p
Guest
Joe p
7 years ago

My heart gos out to Tim’s family.i new Tim we worked side by side on a few jobs.hard worker carrying person all-around great guy…..

Shak
Guest
Shak
7 years ago

This trajedy is so heartbreaking. R.I.P. Mr. Smith. My condolences to your friends and family.

Me
Guest
Me
7 years ago

I’ve not only known Tim my whole life but have been friends with him as well, have many cherished memories were Tim was always there, our family’s go back before either one of us was even born. I being a couple years older have watched through the years Tim go through many different stages in life to become the well grounded and responsible ,caring man that he was , some found him to be a little dry at times maybe even grumpy, but I never saw nothing but my wacky off the hook fun loving friend when I looked into his eyes, I know he knew what I was seeing because he’d always give me a little smirk of a smile when I’d look at him with that look of ” familiarity ” like remember me, I know who you are. ;-). One thing I think about through all the good things Tim has brought to this world, there’s no more Santa clause for my kids to sit in his knee and tell there most inner wishes and desires too. Cause some some low life scum bag that took him away from us and how dare he still breath air into his unworthy piece of shit lungs , what a selfish waste of air he is,nothing justifies the atrocity that he has so selfishly committed, I’m not a hateful or spiteful person by nature but I hope this son of bitch burn in hell and suffers unimaginably for all of eternity for what he has done, he don’t deserve anything else as far as I’m concerned!!!! Rest in peace my friend, we will meet again in the other side, of that I have no doubt, you’ll be flying high were all the love and positive blissfulness awaits for all that have earned it, as you have. I love you.

Bridgeville 365
Guest
Bridgeville 365
7 years ago
Reply to  Me

He was, indeed, a good guy.

Life is Good
Guest
Life is Good
7 years ago

Was he a full time Capt. for the City of Fortuna Fire Department? All the photos show CDF rigs.

Life is Good
Guest
Life is Good
7 years ago

Never mind. Didn’t realize Fortuna FD is all volunteer except for the Chief.

moocow
Guest
7 years ago

It doesn’t matter if he was involved in the cannabis trade. I don’t care if he was doing meth – the fact is even if he was, which I personally have no idea about, neither are capital crimes. No one should be shot for any reason other than self defense. I’ll never understand the gunslinger mentality. Prayers for the family, RIP

JT
Guest
JT
7 years ago
Reply to  moocow

Well said moocow. This person that murdered him….no matter WHAT is reason…should melt his murderous life away in prison. I have had it with America’s gun slinging mentality. Our murder rates are out of control in our county! Fortuna is a small community, yet add this murder to the calloused actions of that Kitchen bitch who murdered two teenagers….it is simply out of control.

Marie Campbell
Guest
Marie Campbell
7 years ago

My deepest sympathies to his family & friends.

Bridgeville 365
Guest
Bridgeville 365
7 years ago

He not only played Santa, he did an excellent job teaching whenever he brought the fire truck to Bridgeville school to “show and tell.”

Westside
Guest
Westside
7 years ago

Oh how heart wrenching this is…He will be sorely missed.When my mother past away Tim and his wife were absolute comforts to me and my family.He was an outstanding firefighter and a gem to any community.Prayers for your children Tim,,rest in peace brother

Westside
Guest
Westside
7 years ago
Reply to  Westside

kym i was trying to put pic in profile pic,not sure what i did wrong here

westside
Guest
westside
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

oh ok thanks

Zaniah
Guest
Zaniah
7 years ago

Condolences to all. I can see he was loved and a wonderful asset to his community. RIP <3

Yep
Guest
Yep
7 years ago

My heart is heavy knowing we have lost a good man. For any bigots, good luck in life. You have challenges so large you might never know the gravity of your stupidity.

Blessings. +++++++vibes++++++

Lily Blue
Guest
Lily Blue
7 years ago

My thanks to all who shared memories and those who defended a stranger because he put his life on the line every day for all of us. and to the TROLL who never knew our big brother, SHAME on you for casting aspersions and straight up talking shit about a great man. you know “WHO” you are. he was a hero, even though he would have never called himself that. he was kind, selfless, funny, smart, generous, brave, and yes a lil crazy. after all, he was a firefighter. you know, those men and women who run in when everyone else is running out. the people who risk their lives every day to save strangers. how dare you say such things about someone you didnt even know. if you don’t hear it with your own ears, or see it with your own eyes, don’t make it up with your small mind and spread it with your big mouth. especially if you don’t have the balls own your own words and use your own name or face. you havn’t had to see the devastation in his sons eyes. bad shit happens to good people every day. that doesn’t make it his fault. our Humboldt family is heartbroken beyond words at this loss. he was one of the very best of us, and this world is that much smaller and darker for his passing. my condolences to his other family, his bother and sister firefighters. i know you feel this loss just as deeply.

Who
Guest
Who
7 years ago
Reply to  Lily Blue

You know I’ve been a volunteer firefighter many years I put my life on the line as well for others I’ve made a difference .Where all judged whether we like it or not just as you judge me I judge others but it’s the facts that make the difference and the reality is I feel sorry for the sons I hope they remember there father for the right choices he made and not the wrong ones .

Lily Blue
Guest
Lily Blue
7 years ago
Reply to  Who

so did you know Tim personally? did you know the other guy? or are you just here talking shit and saying things that you have no idea about just because you can and your bored? friggin keyboard cowboy. obviously your years of service didn’t make you a more sensitive human. it seems pretty hypocritical to talk shit the way you do and then say how sorry you feel for the children. you know kids use the internet right? [edit]

Who
Guest
Who
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Because you won’t tell the truth there’s your answer whether you like it or not.

Nia May
Guest
Nia May
7 years ago

A great heart, and a great smile. Always loved seeing it.

Mike
Guest
Mike
7 years ago

You could not have worder that any better kym.

tugboat
Guest
7 years ago

Why does everybody blame Marijuana for everything negative that happens around here ? People love to jump on the pot bandwagon even though they grow pot themselves. This puzzles me as it appears to be self destructive and anti productive.
Could be that the man was having an elicit affair with the killers wife and that drove the man insane and he resorted to violence as a remedy to stop the pain & suffering in his heart, that is associated with infidelity. All actions have an reaction, Marriage is a God blessed institution and deserves to be honored. Amen

Richelle
Guest
Richelle
7 years ago
Reply to  tugboat

No he wasn’t having an affair, maybe the physco killer was a deranged meth head who had problems with his wife and took out his deranged illusions on my brother, Tim loved my sister and his family more than anyone will ever know. A crazy man killed one of the best people this community was lucky enough to have. Our family is lost without him, thank you to all for the kind words. Very much appreciated. To anyone who has a bad word to say, why don’t you just stop by his house and tell it in person to my mourning family. R.I.P. Tim Smith

Bonnie Cook
Guest
Bonnie Cook
7 years ago

I knew Tim from times he was standing in with the Ftna Volunteer fire when Cal Fire’s resources were low. I always enjoyed talking to him. He was always so cheerful when you would see him on an engine or at Bridgeville school. He will be missed. Breaks my heart and heartfelt wishes for peace for his family.

Cousin Corn
Guest
Cousin Corn
7 years ago

The last time I saw big Tim was at my brothers wedding in Southern California. It was a big family wedding, and Tim was non-stop on the dance floor with the bride, and my mom (his aunt) who remembers him lifting her off the floor. Afterwards we continued the celebration with our awesome family at the bar next door. Tim was there with a huge smile on his face and giving words of wisdom to the bride and groom. The typical fire fighter and man he was, Tim even helped one of our fallen soldiers of the night (too much champagne and high heels), and carried her over his shoulder back to the hotel at 2am. I remember great conversation, his infectious laugh and a strong hug the next day when we all bid farewell. I got married in May, and Tim was called by the fire department to do his service, and was unable to make it. As always, putting his commitment to his calling first. This is the man he was — one who embraced a service to protect others.
We’re heart broken and baffled by this action of a senseless human to take the life of a man we loved. May the universe, and God send all his angels to surround my cousin and her boys, and all who loved him, now and throughout a lifetime of battling an unthinkable nightmare. Rest in a sweet paradise where there a big fish, animals to hunt, hills to protect, lots of hats, and a dance floor to swing around those that have gone before. We love you, Tim!

lone ranger
Guest
lone ranger
7 years ago

Mr. Smith was not beloved to all…. he could be a big bully. He could degrade the firemen where he was Captain….. could it have gone to his head. Sorry for his fate

Richelle
Guest
Richelle
7 years ago
Reply to  lone ranger

[edit] HERO, HERO, HERO……TIM SMITH HUMBOLDT COUNTY HERO.

Daniel R Dill former Company 4
Guest
Daniel R Dill former Company 4
7 years ago
Reply to  lone ranger

I am sorry for your thin skin and shallow compassion. You know the Capt is in charge and responsible, and considering that you were luck to have had him rather than others.

Lost
Guest
Lost
7 years ago
Reply to  lone ranger

Degrade firemen? He was appointed to a position to get a struggling company back on its feet. And he did a damn fine job with that. A captain has to be firm and have leadership qualities which he exemplified with his time with fvfd

Curious
Guest
Curious
7 years ago
Reply to  lone ranger

Tim was a good captain and treated everyone equal. There is a certain person in that company that think they run the station and think they can do whatever they want and tim as a captain had to do his job. Rip tim you will be missed.

Batman
Guest
Batman
7 years ago

Well said lone Ranger!

Batman
Guest
Batman
7 years ago
Reply to  Batman

A hero to who? His girlfriend?

Bob B
Guest
Bob B
7 years ago
Reply to  Batman

If you even have an ounce of compassion in your heart, may you never feel the level of disrespect you have given to a family during their time of need. Think about the people you love in your life and what it would feel like to have to defend that loved one against such blasphemy

ROBIN
Guest
ROBIN
7 years ago
Reply to  Batman

Where did you park the firetruck , oh shit it’s going to get towed it’s in the firelane batman

Sadly Disappointed
Guest
Sadly Disappointed
7 years ago
Reply to  Batman

You – Lone Ranger, Batman and Robin are so horribly disrespectful! Seems like you three are the only ones in the campton heights fd that had a problem with Tim. He took over and was appreciated by all but THREE family members – who are ovbiously you “three. ” A real classy family here! One would hope your family would show some respect – but then again… it’s almost expected from you

Grace
Guest
Grace
7 years ago

Tim Smith was a hero. He was a brilliant father figure to so many kids in a time when fathers are in short supply. Men like him are rare indeed, kind, funny, smart, capable, brave and willing, and just crazy enough to get any horrible scary job done. He was so larger than life and full of life I can hardly believe he is dead. We were so lucky to have him in our lives and his death leaves a huge hole in our lives and hearts. Thank God he left us 2 amazing sons with big shoes to fill. He and his wonderful wife helped so many kids in need including mine and I am so grateful for the positive influence he was to my sons. I hope he’s having an amazing adventure wherever he is because he deserves it. Tim, we will miss you. I won’t see a wildfire or a big buck without remembering your huge smile and huge heart. My deepest sympathy to all of his family, my heart is heavy for your loss. May we all carry on with gratitude for having known and loved a true hero.

Life is Good
Guest
Life is Good
7 years ago

It’s not wise to throw stones when you live in a glass house.