Alan D. Leake
City of Fulton Fire Department – MissouriClassification: CareerRank: CaptainDate of Death: April 30‚ 2006Age: 51

Captain Alan Leake spent the final minutes of his life as he had on many other occasions in the prior twenty-four years – giving of himself to try to help a complete stranger‚ this time an accident victim. At great loss to his family and friends‚ Alan died in the line of duty that day. He had worked his second consecutive motor vehicle accident and as he was preparing to clear the scene he collapsed and could not be revived.

Alan became a firefighter for the City of Fulton in September 1982. He promoted to Fire Engineer in September 1984 and promoted to Captain in 1996. He was committed to his work and took great responsibility for the firefighters he led. Though at times those under his charge might have complained of his sometimes ‘militant’ ways‚ they all knew what was in his heart – he wanted them to be prepared for anything‚ for the public’s safety‚ their own safety‚ and as he reminded them jokingly‚ his own safety. Alan set the bar high for himself and others‚ and the City of Fulton Fire Department and the public it served benefited as a result. The local public safety community will also miss his morning radio check‚ where his enthusiastic ‘Good morning Callway’ often started their day.

Although Alan put a lot of energy and passion into his work‚ he did not do it at the expense of his family. He loved his wife‚ his children‚ his step-children‚ and his grandchildren with all his heart‚ and tried to make sure they knew it by his actions and his words. Many spoke of the sparkle in his eye after he met his wife Linda and the renewed passion he had for life in general as a result. He absolutely relished his more recent role as a grandfather as well and looked forward to more little ones to come.

Alan’s hobbies included fishing and boating‚ activities he particularly enjoyed when accompanied by his wife or his best friend‚ and with his children when they were young. He was also looking forward to introducing his grandchildren to these activities.

We have and will miss Alan’s happy spirit‚ good heart‚ mischievous mustache and loving arms for all times told. He will always be with us in our hearts and in spirit – a fact confirmed by his now three year old granddaughter who has spontaneously informed us on many occasions throughout the last year ‘look‚ there’s Papa in the clouds.’