Hawley, MA – Niles Gene LaValley of Hawley, Massachusetts passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Baystate Franklin County Medical Center at the age of 39. The cause has not yet been determined.
Born on October 5, 1986, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, Niles lived a life defined by service, courage, laughter, and an extraordinary capacity to love others. Though his time here was far too short, the impact he made on his family, friends, coworkers, and community will be felt for generations.
Niles dedicated his life to helping others. He proudly served as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Westfield Fire Department, Fire Chief of the Russell Fire Department and as a paramedic for several ambulance services throughout western Massachusetts including AMR Ambulance of Holyoke, RAM Ambulance of West Springfield and ACTION Ambulance of Pittsfield. He also served as President of Westfield Firefighters Local 1111, always advocating for those beside him. Fellow firefighters often described him as a “bull” of a firefighter, fearless, dependable, and exactly the person you wanted by your side when everything was on the line. He was also known as an incredible and knowledgeable paramedic, never afraid to do what was right.
Yet those who knew Niles best would tell you his greatest strength wasn’t his courage; it was his heart. He was endlessly generous, fiercely loyal, wonderfully goofy, and always ready to make someone laugh. He had an unforgettable presence. Again and again, those who reached out after his passing shared the same sentiment: Niles was the kind of person who changed lives simply by being himself. “As big as he was, it was his heart that was biggest of all.”
Niles was a devoted husband and father. He often called his wife Jennifer the love of his life and best friend, and his son Theo, the greatest gift. Theo lit up the moment he saw his dad, calling out “DaDa!” before running into his arms. Niles treasured tractor rides with Theo, taking him swimming, letting him “help” fix things in the garage, and dreamed of the day they would spend hours fishing together. He embraced fatherhood with the same wholehearted love that he gave to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer Jason, his son, Theo LaValley, his loving mother, Arlene LaValley, his sister, Eastyn LaValley and his uncle, Dana Coya who was raised alongside Niles. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gene LaValley; his brother, Tanner LaValley; and his uncle, Raymond Howell, who lived with the family.
Like many first responders, Niles quietly carried burdens and trauma that were often unseen and had been working hard toward healing. His story reminds us that even those who spend their lives rescuing and serving others sometimes need help themselves. As we remember him, may we all take to heart the lessons he strove to live by: reach out when you’re struggling, do not fear talking, and know that asking for help is a sign of strength.
•Fire/EMS Helpline: Call 1-888-731-3473 for 24/7 confidential support dedicated to firefighters and EMTs.
•COPLINE: Call 1-800-267-5463 for a 24/7 confidential peer support hotline for law enforcement officers and their families.
•Safe Call Now: Call 206-459-3020 for a 24/7 confidential crisis referral service for all public safety and emergency personnel.
•Crisis Text Line: Text “BADGE” to 741741 for free, confidential text support.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts at the Pavilion Annex behind the rose garden.
Niles will be remembered for the lives he saved, the lives he fought for, the laughter he shared, the kindness he gave so freely, and the immense love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in every person who was fortunate enough to know him.
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