A memorial service for former Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue Chief Steve Bigelow will be held December 12.

The memorial will take place at the Crossroads Neighborhood Church, located at 7555 Old Military Road NE in Bremerton, at 3 p.m.

Bigelow, who died unexpectedly on Nov. 12, began his fire service career in 1980, first as the fire chief of Kitsap County Fire District 15 and then as Fire Chief of Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue after District 15 merged with District 1 in 1999.

Bigelow served as fire chief until his retirement in 2001.

Chief Bigelow impacted the local community in many ways, from serving as President of the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs Association, to coaching local youth soccer teams and being an active member of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce.

One project that was held in particular high regard to Chief Bigelow was his role in helping to form the Kitsap Readiness Response Center.

After his retirement, Chief Bigelow remained an active member of the community, teaching at the Readiness Center and taking part in Kitsap County’s Department of Emergency Management Incident Management Program.

Chief Bigelow is survived by his wife and three children. His son, Chris Bigelow, is currently a firefighter with Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue.