Neil Honeycutt made a strong contribution to the California fire service.  He joined the Oakland City Fire Department in 1962.  During his 30-year career, he worked his way up to the post of assistant chief of operations.  He also served other stints including fire and rescue mutual aid coordinator with the State of California, fire chief for the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, teacher for California's community Colleges, adjunct faculty member for the National Fire Academy, and consultant for the Department of Homeland Security, the Federa Emergency Management Agency, and the Environmental Protection Agency.  His other interests included trains, Civil War history, and traveling with his wife Karla.  He lost his battle to job-related renal cell cancer.