Keith started his firefighting career by joining the Hughson Volunteer Fire Department in 1979, then Stanislaus County Fire in October 1983, and finally Turlock City Fire in June of 1989, obtaining the rank of Acting Captain. He enjoyed starting and being advisor to the Fire Explorer Post where both of his sons belonged. He also enjoyed the outdoors -- an avid hunter and fisherman. This past January, Brother Crabtree lost his battle with job-related cancer.