City in mourning after Elizabeth City fire captain dies suddenly

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. 

The fire department's flag flew at half-staff, and a sign in front of the Southgate Station announced the reason.

"In loving memory of Captain Jeffrey Vaughn 1962-2008."

Elizabeth City Fire Capt. Jeffrey Edward Vaughn, 46, died Monday after being released from Albemarle Hospital, where he had been treated for injuries from a motorcycle crash last week.

Vaughn was riding his motorcycle on Halstead Boulevard Extended about 3:30 p.m. May 15 when its back wheel gave way and he lost control, according to an Elizabeth City police report. He crossed the median at a curve in the road and came to a stop in the opposite lane.

He hurt his ankle and sustained a few bruised ribs and a laceration to his liver.

After leaving the hospital, he went to visit the fire station. He then went to lunch at a restaurant, where he suddenly died, said Vivian White, city spokeswoman.

"We're all just in shock," she said.

The cause of death is not yet known.

The Hertford native was raised by Pastor Willie Vaughn and Annie Sutton Vaughn with his brother, Keith, and sisters Sheryl Vaughn, Tammy Wynn and Lora Aples.

He graduated from Perquimans County High School and got a degree in telecommunications from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., said his aunt Melissa Vaughn. While at the university, he traveled as the sound technician for the Souls A' Fire gospel choir and band.

He married his wife, Mattie, 21 years ago. They have a 17-year-old son, Geoffrey Tyler Vaughn, who is a junior at Perquimans County High School.

Vaughn had worked for Elizabeth City since 1989. His first job was in the Planning Department.

In 1991, he joined the Fire Department. He was promoted to fire engineer in 1994 and became captain in 1996.

He was the first black fire captain in the department and was the first to rise through its ranks to a leadership position.

Vaughn has an extensive training record and was known for his enthusiasm in the classroom and in the fire station. He was one of the best fire educators the department has known, said Barry Overman, fire marshal.

"We were the crazy ones," Overman said. "I always told him we were brothers separated at birth."

They bonded because they had similar senses of humor, he said, and were willing to do anything for a laugh - especially if it helped teach children about fire safety.

At the Southgate Station where Vaughn worked, everything inside the bay doors was set up as usual this week. Fire gear was lined up alongside the trucks for quick dressing before heading out to an emergency call.

Vaughn's gear was still at the ready.

Inside the station on Tuesday, however, members of Vaughn's shift were quietly remembering him.

"He always had a smile on his face," said Steve Vaughan, fire engineer. "And he always had a positive attitude."

He helped anyone who came by the station, said firefighter L.W. Nixon.

"He had a big heart," said firefighter Leonard Gibbs.

And in a firehouse, there are practical jokes, Vaughan said. Most often, the captain was ribbed for his shorter stature.

He was frequently offered a boost into the fire truck; when he made captain, his seat in the truck was outfitted with a booster seat, Overman said. And there was a training session where he was given a desk with a child seat already attached. He even let the guys strap him in, Vaughan said.

"He would laugh just as hard as the rest of us."

On Saturday, firefighters from all over will participate in his funeral. Services will be held at 1 p.m. at Evangelical Methodist Church, 820 Okisko Road, south of Elizabeth City. He will be buried in the Vaughn family cemetery south of Hertford.

A wake will be held from

6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Emmanuel Pentecostal Church, 1033 Ocean Hwy. South in Hertford.

Contributions to a "boot fund" are being accepted at any of the Elizabeth City fire stations, City Hall or at Wachovia Bank on Main Street in Elizabeth City. Donations may be made to the "Jeffrey Vaughn Family Fund."

Lauren King, (252) 338-2413, lauren.king@pilotonline.com