Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Fallen firefighter honored in Philly
PHILADELPHIA » Family members of fallen Philadelphia firefighter Lt. Matthew LeTourneau laid a wreath at the Living Flame Memorial Service on Wednesday.
The Living Flame Memorial Service in Franklin Square Park honors deceased Philadelphia firefighters and police officers who have died in the line of duty while serving their fellow citizens.
LeTourneau, 42, of Springfield, and Kenneth Greene Sr., 60, of West Philadelphia, both Philadelphia firefighters, perished since the preceding ceremony held last May.
Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said LeT our neauand Greene are special because they “represent thousands of their brothers and sisters in the fire department and the police department, here in this great city of Philadelphia.”
“They were special as individuals. They were special as members of their companies,” Thiel said. “They were special because they were part of and remain a part of the Philadelphia Fire Department.”
Thiel said that some ceremonies for police and firefighters are separate, but not in Philadelphia because the members serve together.
“We live, work and unfortunately sometimes die together – red, blue and everything in between,” Thiel said. “The days that we lost Kenny and Matt, I’ll never forget. As I think about those days, a few things come to mind. Certainly, the strength and character exhibited by their families.”
He also remembers the presence and support shown by the other members of the fire and police departments, some who were off-duty. As he left the hospitals that LeTourneau and Greene were taken to, and even before the bodies were escorted home, he noticed something.
“We were surrounded by members of the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Philadelphia Police Department, and many others from the law enforcement community,” Thiel said. “Fire, EMS, police, law enforcement, we are always working together, 24.7 (times) 365 because simply, it’s what we do.”
Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney described first responders as dedicated guardians who serve despite the “risk of harm which is always present.
“They didn’t take the heroic actions for fame or reward, not for advancement in rank, but in proud dedication to duty,” Kenney said.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross said the families deal with daily sacrifices on the job, but the loss of a loved one comes with a deeper pain and finding ways to continue their memory.
“Children are forced to learn in some cases of their loved ones and how they lived, through stories from parents and grandparents,” Ross said.
While LeTourneau did not have children, his friends and fellow firefighters said he was best at being an uncle.
LeTourneau died while fighting a fire in a North Philadelphia rowhome that collapsed on Jan. 6. Two other Philadelphia firefighters were injured in the collapse. A civilian from the home perished and a civilian froma neighboring home was injured.
LeTourneau joined the Philadelphia Fire Department in 2007 and served in his dream job for 11 years. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2015 with the Engine 45/Platoon A. He received letters of commendation for his service during the World Meeting of Families in 2015.
LeTourneau volunteered at the Springfield Fire Co. since 1991 and became a Life Member. He joined at 16, the youngest age allowed then. He was attending Cardinal O’Hara at the time and graduated in 1993.
LeTourneau also taught at the Delaware County Emergency Services Training Center as a state instructor. He earned his associates degree in fire science from Delaware County Community College in 1995.
Greene served 23 years in the Philadelphia Fire Department, including his final assignment at Engine 37/ Platoon B. He died 11 days after being hospitalized while on duty at his firehouse in September 2017. Greene and LeTourneau were promoted to the rank of captain posthumously.