Noel D. P. Chris Waters, 67, husband of Danell Dani Waters of Moncks Corner, SC, passed away on Friday evening, September 19, 2008 in a local hospital after a lengthy illness. Chris was born August 30, 1941 in Queens, NY, the son of the late George A. Waters and Mary Abstein. He graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice of New York. Chris served in the US Coast Guard and was a retired firefighter from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) where he was a charter member of the Hazardous Materials (Haz Mat) Company and was awarded the Medal of Valor for attempting to save a young boy who jumped from a burning building. During his tenure at FDNY, he served on Rescue 3, Ladder 28, and Engine 69. After retirement in 1987, Chris became the Chair of the Hazardous Materials Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. As program chair, he authored several national haz mat programs for the fire service. In 1994, he accepted the position of Hazardous Materials Coordinator for Charleston County, SC. During his time with the county, he developed training programs in counter terrorism, instructed at a national level, and was promoted to the position of Emergency Management Director. In 2007, Chris received the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Level A Award from the IAFC Haz Mat Committee for his lifetime contributions to the hazardous materials emergency response and training community. As a national instructor, his ability to influence so many students and organizations has left a mark upon the haz mat community at large. Chris loved to ply everyone with his recipes and enjoyed cooking for his friends and family. He was identified as a gentle giant/soul with a loving and sensitive heart who had a profound impact on many. His character, knowledge, and professionalism will be missed. He is survived by his wife Dani Waters; four sons Scott Waters and his wife Maria; Bryan Waters and his wife Kay; Keven Waters; Keith Waters and his wife Kristal; two stepdaughters Marianne Duyan and husband Dennis; and Leilani Abyad and husband Elias; three sisters Catherine Ernst, Georgiann Strompf and her husband Phil, and Lucille Granfort and her husband Sal; and sister-in-law Dorothy Waters. He was adored by his 12 grandchildren Christopher, Katy, Keith, Jackson, Ethan, JohnMark, and Ronan Waters; and Haley and Madeline Duyan; and Stephanie, Kelly and Anthony Abyad. Chris was predeceased by his first wife Jean Venticinque and his brother Raymond. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charleston County Volunteer Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 62007, N. Charleston, SC 29419 and/or the Salvation Army, 4248 Dorchester Road Charleston, SC 29405.
The relatives and friends of Mr and Mrs. Noel D. P. Chris Waters are invited to attend his Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 9, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1695 Wallenberg Blvd., Charleston.

Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC. 1620 SAVANNAH HWY. (84) 766-1365

Published in the Charleston Post & Courier on 9/21/2008