Max Thwaits III

Max Thwaits III, passed away in the early morning on September 19, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. 

Max dedicated his life to serving his community, starting at the age of 14 and following in his father's footsteps with his involvement in the Jay Fire Department. He officially joined the Jay Fire Department and AuSable Forks Volunteer Ambulance Service in 2000 and was firefighter of the year with the Jay Fire Department. He also participated in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout. 

He graduated from AuSable Valley Central School in 2001 and enlisted in the Navy that same year. His first deployment was on the aircraft carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt, which spent 160 consecutive days at sea, breaking the record for longest period underway since WWII.

Max was honorably discharged from the Navy in 2005 and continued his life of service re-engaging with the Jay Fire Department and AuSable Fork Volunteer Ambulance Service. At different times during his service in both agencies, Max took on leadership roles, such as Board President, Assistant Chief, and Chief.

He began his career with Essex County Emergency Services in March 2007, as a Public Safety Dispatcher. While working as a dispatcher, he used his GI bill to enroll in an online program at SUNY Empire State College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Human Services with a concentration in Emergency Management on June 11, 2016. He was later promoted to Deputy Director of Emergency Services (Car 2) in April 2019, and then Director of Emergency Services (Car 1) in July 2021. During his tenure with the county, he also completed numerous hours of training to become a county Fire Investigator/Coordinator and Intelligence Liasson Officer (ILO).

Max loved nature and was an avid sportsman. When he was not working or volunteering his time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with his father and brothers. He also loved nothing more than to pack up the camper and take a relaxing trip to the lake with Lori, or stay home and spend quality time with his granddaughters. 

He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Max Thwaits Sr. and Morris Coolidge, Sr. 

He is survived by his father and step-mother, Max Thwaits Jr. and Beth Thwaits, his mother Cheryle Saltmarsh, his brothers Travis Thwaits (Kallie) and Michael Thwaits, his nephew Jayden Thwaits, and his grandparents Roger & June Nelson and Mary Coolidge. He was also survived by his long-term companion and love of his life, Lori Kilburn, Lori's children, Melissa Stoddard (Brian), Tyler Kilburn (Gillian Knight) and the two lights of his life, his granddaughters Brynn and Myla. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Visitation will be held Friday, September 23, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, 3 College St., Au Sable Forks, NY. A Funeral Service to honor Max will be celebrated on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Au Sable Valley Central School, 1490 State Rte. 9N, Clintonville, NY.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jay Fire Department or the Wounded Warrior Project.
 
Services were entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, Au Sable Forks, NY.