17 March 1966 to 16 January 2007

                            
Chris Adams was born in Panama City, Florida on March 17th, 1966 to William and Doris Adams. Chris' father was a firefighter and he followed in his footsteps. He began as a volunteer at Springfield Fire Department until he received his certification and began serving the city full-time. Serving the community in which he lived is exactly what Chris did. He worked his way through the ranks to Captain and eventually in 2004 was selected by the Mayor to be the new Fire Chief. Chris was a proven leader who worked diligently to upgrade every aspect of the department. He applied for and received grants to upgrade the equipment, vehicles and training of his firefighters. He worked with local, state and federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Defense to obtain training in the latest safety techniques. He fostered working relationships with all local First Responder agencies and coordinated training events. He worked with the Division of Forestry, Tyndall AFB Firefighters, Police Departments, Inspectors and EMT’s. Chris created a team that worked together like a family. Every member of the Fire Department, Police Department and City Hall knew Chris and where he lived. Chris welcomed them into his home anytime and there never was a need to knock. Chris loved his job, his team and the community he served so well.

Chris Adams was a devoted husband to his wife Darline of 21 years. They met in school and were married on July 26th, 1985. They have two daughters, Heather age 18 and Hollie age 15 that were the light of his life. Chris dedicated his life to providing the best of everything for his family. He was an example of how to provide for your family. Chris was always there to support his Mother, brothers and sister, nieces and nephews, "Bootman the Cat" aunts and uncles, cousins and every friend who asked. Chris was the guy everyone went to when they needed a favor.

Chris has provided many memories for his family and friends to remember him by. If you knew Chris you knew he had many interests. If Chris was not in uniform, he was wearing a Jeff Gordon or Jimmy Johnson T-shirt and hat. Chris loved to sit on his back porch or in the pool and watch the NASCAR races. Nobody loved NASCAR more. Chances are if you went to Wal-Mart you would see Chris there since he went almost every day. Even when Chris took his family on vacation, they went to Wal-Mart.
The place Chris loved to go more than anywhere else was Disney World. He loved to go to Mickey's house. Even if they wanted to go somewhere else on vacation...Chris still managed to talk them into Disney World.  Chris will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He touched so many people in the time God let us have him here on earth. Chris was the kind of man we name streets and buildings after...he was truly a Great AMERICAN!  We will forever have Chris Adams in our hearts and his memory will live on with his family and friends.