We’ve lost another.
The U.S. Fire Administration has announced the official line of duty death of Firefighter Terrance Freeman Sr., 36, of the Rockford (IL) Fire Department on November 22, 2009. Terrance is the 82nd LODD for 2009.
While visiting relatives in suburban Chicago, Firefighter Freeman passed away of an apparent heart attack several hours after coming off of his shift during which he had responded to multiple emergency calls.
He leaves behind his wife, Lawanda, and six children.
According to the Rockford Register Star, Rockford Fire Department Division Chief Jim Strey said news of the veteran firefighter’s death came like a surprise punch to the gut, stunned Rockford firefighters and cast a somber pall over the department.
“We come to our job for a career and when someone’s life is cut short at the age of 37, everyone is just stunned,” Strey said. “He has a lot of friends and colleagues who think a lot of him. He’s a nice man, a good person and does a very nice job for the city of Rockford, so it’s a devastating, tragic situation.”
Through his career, Terrance was stationed with Ladder Co. No. 2, Engine Co. No. 4, Ladder Co. No. 1, Engine Co. No. 1, and currently earning his Paramedic rating at Engine Co. No. 3. He was recently recognized for excellence in customer service.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has asked all government agencies in Illinois display their respect for our fallen brother by lowering to half staff the flags of the State of Illinois and the flag of the United States beginning at sunrise Thursday until sunset Saturday.
A visitation will be held from 1400-1600hrs on November 28, 2009 (Saturday), followed by a memorial service at 1600hrs at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108.
As always, our thoughts and prayers pour out over his family and friends during this time of such loss. Additionally we look to comfort all of our brothers and sisters at his second family at the Rockford Fire Department.
Also on Fire Daily…
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- UPDATED Video and Fireground Audio: 42-year old James Rice, a Peabody MA Firefighter Killed in the Line of Duty – December 23, 2011
- UPDATED WITH ARRANGEMENTS: Chicago Fire Department Firefighter Christopher Wheatley, 31, Dies in the Line of Duty During Overnight Restaurant Fire – August 9, 2010
- NIOSH report out on Homewood (IL) Fire Dept. that killed Brian Carey last March. Happy Groundhog Day- again. – September 21, 2010
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