Jeffrey Armes

Nelsonville Fire Department firefighter Jeffrey Armes died in the line of duty on May 2, 2021, after collapsing while battling a structure fire in the city of Nelsonville. Armes was 38 years of age at the time of his death.

While battling the fire, Armes realized he was dealing with low oxygen. He removed his tank and mask, grabbed the fire hose, and continued to fight the flames. He collapsed shortly thereafter. Firefighters and medics immediately began CPR and advanced life support care, but were ultimately unable to revive him.

Armes was born in Athens, Ohio and raised in Logan, Ohio. Being an only child, Armes and his extended family developed very close relationships, and he was very close with his parents as well. Growing up, Armes loved to race four wheelers with his Uncle, ride bicycles with his friends, and participate in fishing tournaments.

Armes grew up in a fire station from when he was just six months old, with both his parents having been members of the Starr Township Volunteer Fire Department in Union Furnace, Ohio. Inspired by his parents, Armes became a volunteer firefighter as soon as he turned eighteen. Armes loved his job as a firefighter, and had aspirations of becoming chief. Armes was a longtime volunteer for the Starr Township Volunteer Fire Department before finding employment with the Nelsonville Fire Department.

Armes loved helping people and participating in community events, and was instrumental in planning fire department events, such as  the Nelsonville Water Battles and the annual toy drive the fire department held at Christmas time. Armes’ wife, Lezlee, has continued her husband’s legacy and became a volunteer race director for Tunnel to Towers and put on a 5K in Nelsonville, Ohio in memory of her husband.

Firefighter Jeffrey Armes is survived by his wife, Lezlee, and their two children.