LOCAL NEWS

Terra fire chief passes away, was Tooele County’s longest serving volunteer

Sep 20, 2024, 6:54 PM | Updated: 7:07 pm

TERRA, Tooele County — Terra has always been a town where you could truly get away from it all.

However, even with just a few hundred people living in this part of Tooele County, it feels emptier now. Gerry Neil, the longtime chief of the Terra Fire Department, passed away a few days ago after getting home from a family reunion.

“He actually stayed longer than he normally would,” said Jeff Neil, who is a son to Gerry. “He seemed high-spirited. Very joking as usual.”

A wooden sign reads "Welcome to Terra."

Wooden sign reads “Welcome to Terra.” (Alex Cabrero, KSL TV)

Growing up, Jeff Neil knew his father was important to the community.

“People would just show up at our house all hours of the night,” he said with a laugh. “They would say I am stuck or I broke down. He never told nobody no.”

It was that kind of care he had for others that made Neil a natural leader. Not only did he form the Terra Fire Department 44 years ago, but he has been its chief since day one.

“He was that kind of guy that when he walked up, if you were in a panic situation, you knew you were going to be okay,” Jeff Neil said.

KSL TV talked to Gerry Neil a couple of years ago when Terra received its first brand-new fire truck in its history. Neil had always begged and bartered for used trucks from other departments to keep his going because, as he told us, service to others and helping those in need were important to him.

“I want them to know there is somebody local who knows right where they are at that can come help them with whatever situation,” Gerry Neil said during that 2022 interview.

Tooele County’s fire warden never worried whenever there was an emergency in Terra.

“Gerry is irreplaceable,” said Tooele County Fire Warden Dan Walton. “We could trust him to be there faster than anybody. He would always get there first. He would always just bring a calm sense to the situation and help those who needed it.”

Neil loved Terra and the surrounding area. Maybe it was the peace and quiet that appealed to him after serving in Vietnam.

An American flag hangs over the emergency vehicles inside Terra Fire Department.

An American flag hangs over the emergency vehicles inside Terra Fire Department, where Neil volunteered for 44 years. (Alex Cabrero, KSL TV)

“It meant a lot to him,” Jeff Neil said. “He loved serving the residents. Right up to his dying day he was here at this fire station nine to five every day.”

Neil was Tooele County’s longest serving volunteer.

There is no doubt he will be missed.

“The whole community. He loved them just as much as they loved him,” Jeff Neil said.

Funeral services are planned for next Saturday, September 28th at 11am at the Terra Fire Station.

Firefighters from departments across the county and state are expected to be there, as well as the military to give Neil a military funeral.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Tom Cram, the police chief for the Kanab Police Department in 2019....

Daniel Woodruff

Kanab police chief pleads guilty after hitting pedestrian

Kanab Police Chief Thomas Cram pleaded guilty after hitting a pedestrian.

1 hour ago

Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown...

Michael Houck

Mike Brown will step down as Salt Lake City police chief

The Salt Lake City police chief will retire after nearly three decades at the police department. 

2 hours ago

A photo of the exterior of Scott Owen's mental health therapy business, Canyon Counseling Center. O...

Mary Culbertson

Provo therapist pleads guilty to sexually abusing patients over the course of at least 7 years

After multiple patients came forward saying their therapist, Scott Owens, sexually abused them, Owens finally admitted to at least two of the instances in court.

3 hours ago

Gavin sitting on his ATV that was donated by the Make-a-Wish, Young Powersports and the Caring for ...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Payson teen gets surprised with an ATV

It was a special day for a teen in Payson after his wish was granted on Tuesday.

3 hours ago

Police on the scene of a shooting in Taylorsville at sent two adults to the hospital and caused sev...

Mary Culbertson

2 seriously injured in Taylorsville shooting, prompting ‘hold’ protocol at 10 schools

Multiple schools were placed on "hold" protocol after a shooting in Taylorsville.

4 hours ago

A 7-year-old girl (left) is fighting for her life after she and her sisters were tragically involve...

Mary Culbertson

7-year-old Utah girl fighting for her life after tragic murder-suicide in Wyoming

A 7-year-old Utah girl is fighting for her life after surviving a murder-suicide killed three of her sisters, and left her in critical condition.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Terra fire chief passes away, was Tooele County’s longest serving volunteer