‘Now It’s Our Turn’: Firefighter, Family Face Cancer Fight Together

JOHNSTON COUNTY – For more than two decades, Jeff “Honeybun” Lambert has been among the first to respond when Johnston County residents needed help. Now, the first responder community he has long served is rallying around him.

Lambert, a 20-year veteran of the Johnston County fire service, was recently diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. He currently serves as a firefighter with the Smithfield Fire Department and as volunteer assistant chief with the West Johnston Fire Department.

Over the years, Lambert has become a familiar and respected presence throughout the county, growing from a young recruit into a leader known for his service-first mindset and commitment to strengthening fire protection in the community.

The diagnosis has struck especially close to home for local emergency responders. Lambert’s wife, Leslie, is also a public servant, working as an EMT with Johnston County Emergency Services. While the couple has spent their careers responding to emergencies, they are now facing one of their own.

Lambert is scheduled to begin an intensive two-month course of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. During that time, the couple will continue raising their four children.

Friends and colleagues at the West Johnston Fire Department say supporting Lambert is the least they can do.

“Jeff has spent 20 years being the first to arrive when a stranger is in need,” said Chris Narron, secretary of the West Johnston Fire Department. “He leads through action and has always looked for ways to better the department. Now, it’s our turn to stand beside him and his family while he fights this fight.”

Lambert is currently an engineer with the Smithfield Fire Department. He previously served with the Cleveland Fire Department before joining Smithfield two years ago. He has spent the past 20 years as a volunteer with the West Johnston Fire Department, where he now serves as assistant chief.

A community support page has been established to help the family with medical and household expenses during his treatment. Additional fundraisers are being planned by both the West Johnston and Smithfield fire departments, with more details expected to be announced in the coming days.