Pierce was a Firefighter T-1 (Squad Boss) for GFP Enterprises, Inc., a private wildland firefighting contractor based in Sisters (see related story). He excelled as a Class B Sawyer.

Pierce, the son of Paula and Tom Pierce of Sisters, graduated from Sisters High School, Class of 2000.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 9 at Paula Pierce's residence. A solemn procession of five fire engines and several crew vehicles, escorted by Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department, left Sisters to attend the event.

Fellow firefighters, family, and friends gathered to recall and reflect upon Pierce's life.

Moving eulogies were delivered by Don Pollard, GFP President, Crew Boss Brett Miller, and Firefighter Kenneth "Bear" Reynolds.

In memoriam, Pierce's chainsaw will be retired, mounted with his photograph and placed in a new training center which he helped build. GFP will institute an Annual Eric Pierce Award to the firefighter who has the most service shifts and classroom hours.