MCELWEE, Herbert C. (Smokey)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Friday, December 07, 2012 Herbert C. McElwee (Smokey) May 19, 1936 ~ December 2, 2012 Herbert C. McElwee (Smokey), devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, took his walk with Jesus on Dec. 2, 2012, surrounded by family. Herb was born in Yuba City, Calif., on May 19, 1936, to Chester and Alma Midkiff McElwee. He grew up in the small town of Challenge, Calif., moving to the Santa Barbara area in 1962. Herb is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Loretta Loughmiller McElwee; son Tim McElwee (Deb); daughter Tammy Misner (Ron); son Terry McElwee (Mia); seven grandchildren, Steffi, Travis (Allison), Tera (Matt), Sean (Amanda), Joshua, Jeremiah and Molly; sister Jean Hill; and stepsister and brothers Alva Mae Watson, Alvin (Nancy), Larry (Judy), Leon (Linda) and Ken (Kathy) Loughmiller. Herb's fire service career spanned 58 years from 1954 to 2012. He served with the USFS, Santa Barbara County Fire, Fire Chief of the Montecito Fire District and liaison with USFS Incident Management Team 7. His last fire assignment was September 2012. He was an original member of the FIRESCOPE Committee that developed the Incident Command System that is used nationally. He developed the Red Flag Alert System that became the basis for what is currently used across the Nation. He assisted in the development of the Arizona Statewide Mutual Aid System and enjoyed many years volunteering on the cadre for the Arizona Wildfire and Incident Management Academy. Dear to his heart was being a part of "Bomberos without Borders." He was instrumental in securing Training and Equipment for the firefighters of Puerto Penasco, Mexico and had maintained close friendships throughout the years. No matter where Herb went, he always made true friends, not acquaintances. He was a man that touched everyone he met. He treated every person as if they were special. He looked at their potential and encouraged them in their endeavors. Many of his friends will tell you, "I would not be where I am now, if not for Herb." Most important to "Pa" was his family. Spending time camping at the beach, coaching sports and traveling with his grandchildren always put a big smile on his face. Pa set the bar high for all of us on how we treat people, which shaped who we are today. The Bible says that we are just travelers passing through this earth. Well Pa just passed through and although we know he is in heaven. We miss him so much. Even though he was extremely ill he made each nurse or attendant feel special by giving them a fire badge pin - making them part of the team. The night he died, the nurses wept. During his last days, he said that he felt loved and that he felt loved by God. Well Pa, we felt loved by you. We love you forever! A Celebration of Herb's life will occur at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 in Montecito, Calif. Donations may be made in the name of Herbert C. McElwee to the Arizona Wildfire and Incident Management Academy, 1700 Iron Springs Road, Prescott, AZ 86305. Information provided by survivors.