Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Jeff Lambert, firefighter with the Smithfield Fire Department and Volunteer Assistant Chief at the West Johnston Fire Department.
Jeff was nominated by Chris Narron, who says, “I am writing to nominate a true Johnston County pillar, Jeff ‘Honeybunn’ Lambert, for your Hometown Hero recognition. I have personally worked beside Jeff at the West Johnston Fire Department both as a firefighter and a firefighter admin for the past 20 years, on active scenes, and in the background. I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow from a motivated young man into a respected leader, a devoted father, and a ‘community-first’ citizen. Today, Jeff serves as a career firefighter with the Smithfield Fire Department and continues to give his personal time as the Volunteer Assistant Chief at West Johnston.
“Jeff is the type of leader who leads through action. He is constantly looking for ways to improve the department through sheer effort and dedication. But right now, Jeff is facing his toughest battle yet. He was recently diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and is beginning an intensive two-month journey of chemotherapy and radiation. While Jeff fights this, he and his wife Leslie—who serves our county as an EMT—are also raising four awesome kids. Despite the weight of this diagnosis, Jeff hasn’t lost his signature friendly disposition or his amazing outlook on life.”
“Jeff has spent two decades being the first to show up when a stranger is in need. Now, we want to make sure the community shows up for him and his family of six so they can focus on healing rather than the financial stress of a medical crisis.”
Thank you, Jeff, for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.