Luther Loyd McCallister

Lieutenant Luther Loyd McCallister was a devoted husband, brother, friend and firefighter/paramedic and a cherished member of our community. Born on September 18, 1957 in Porterville, California, Loyd grew up with a strong sense of service and dedication to others, which led him to pursue a career in firefighting. From the moment he joined South Kitsap Fire and Rescue in 1989, it was clear his commitment to protecting and serving others went beyond just a job - it was a calling.

Throughout his career, Loyd's high standards and terse personality on the job made him a force to be reckoned with. Those who worked with him and served under him knew that if he hadn't fired you at least once, you weren't going to make it in the fire service. But underneath the rough exterior, Loyd had a deep compassion for his friends, fellow firefighters and the community they served.

Loyd retired in 2014 after 25 years with South Kitsap Fire & Rescue, having incurred cancer in the line of duty.

On February 7, 2023, Loyd married that love of his life, Diana. Together they spent the last years of Loyd's life doing the things they loved most: camping, wine tasting and cooking extravagant meals for friends and family. Loyd will forever be known by his closest friends as the Grand Wagon Master, having established and organized the monthly retiree breakfasts and annual SKFR retiree, "Camporee."

As we gather to honor his life and sacrifice, we are reminded of the words often shared among firefighters, "when a firefighter falls, an entire community mourns." Today we mourn the loss of a hero, a friend and a cherished member of our community. But we also celebrate a life well lived, and a legacy that will live on in our hearts forever.

Lieutenant McCallister lost his battle with cancer on February 22, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife Diana, his sisters, Nancy, Linda, Debora and Cheryl and his brother Boyd.

Rest easy, Mac Daddy. We'll take it from here.

in lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Loyd's memory to the Kitsap County Firefighter's Benevolent Fund at, https://kffbf.org/