Kevin Ward was the third member of the fire department to pass away while performing their job this year. He suffered wounds while putting out a house fire which caused his death last month.
At Loyola Medical Center, Ward passed away on August 28. While putting out a house fire in the 8300 block of West Balmoral Avenue on August 11, he was hurt.
Today Chicago buries CFD firefighter Lt. Kevin Ward.
Ward was fatally injured in an August house fire. He was adventurous, determined & generous, friends told me.
“He did so much for everyone around him, and he never needed you to say thanks,” one said. “He was like Superman.” pic.twitter.com/cEbBxakoV0
— Jake Sheridan (@JakeSheridan_) September 13, 2023
Kevin Ward Obituary: An Enduring Tribute to Chicago Firefighter
On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Lt. Kevin Ward of the Chicago Fire Department was recognized as a Renaissance guy who was constantly looking for his next experience.
CFD Lt. Kevin Ward was laid to rest today.
Of 50 aldermen, only Alds. Villegas, Burnett, Nugent, Lee, Curtis, Lopez, Chico, and Waguespack turned out for the funeral.
We understand DSA and progressive aldermen don’t give a toss about CFD or CPD, but a few other aldermen….. pic.twitter.com/YiA6P3jitD
— Chicago Contrarian (@ChicagoContrar1) September 13, 2023
On September 13 morning, he was led from the Engine 98 fire station on East Chicago Avenue along North Michigan Avenue. His coffin was carried by the pipes and drums of the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Fire Department and it was on a fire engine.
A large American flag was hoisted over Michigan Avenue and Chestnut Street on two firetruck ladders. As the procession made its way to the steps of the Fourth Presbyterian Church for viewing and burial ceremonies, firefighters and Chicago police officers saluted in a line. Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said:
“Lt. Kevin Ward embodied the very essence of firefighting and the Chicago Fire Department. His dedication to serving and safeguarding others was unwavering, His spirit, courage and legacy will live on with us all.”
Capt. Anthony Massaro from Truck 9, where Ward was stationed said:
“Ward, who started as a mechanic with the department in 1996, found his passion working as a firefighter. I will always remember him with a smile on his face and I think that’s the way we should always remember him with a smile on our face.”
Ward’s ex-wife, Corrinne Walenda said that he was constantly eager for an adventure and a challenge. His pastimes included scuba diving all over the world playing underwater hockey and producing thousands of works of art made of blown glass.
She said:
“He absolutely loved life, He was an exceptionally strong scuba diver and swimmer. We saw a lot of the world that way, like the Galapagos, Socorro Island. We saw manta rays and whale sharks and humpback whales, all through scuba diving.”
You can see the funeral services of Kevin in a tweet provided below:
WATCH LIVE: The Chicago Fire Department and mourners from across the country join the family and loved ones of Lieutenant Kevin Ward for his funeral service. https://t.co/PSWGoNQpmN
— City of Chicago (@chicago) September 13, 2023
In our previous posts we covered the obituaries of Brandon Hunter & Bugs Beddow, if you want to know more about their death you can check out our below posts:
- Brandon Hunter Obituary: Remembering Legendary Basketball Player’s Legacy
- Bugs Beddow Obituary: An Enduring Tribute to Detroit Musician
Our condolences are with his family and friends. You can also share your tributes towards him in the comments section below.
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