Lawrence Matthews - Firefighter Fatality - Illinois

Firefighter Lawrence Matthews, age 35, died in the line of duty on June 10, 2017, at a hospital in Harvey, Illinois. 

Lawrence Matthews

Firefighter Matthews was a member of the Dolton Fire Department. He had 8 years of service. 

Dolton is in Cook County, Illinois and has a population of just over 23,000. It is located immediately south of the city limits of Chicago. 

During the afternoon, Lawrence and other firefighters responded to a residential fire in Harvey, Illinois. While working on the exterior of the structure, Lawrence fell ill and collapsed. 

He was administered to by fellow firefighters and was rushed to a hospital in Harvey, Illinois, which is a suburb of Chicago. 

Tragically, Lawrence passed away due to cardiac arrest. 

Lawrence had been the recipient of a heart transplant 10 years ago. 

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for
Lawrence and for those
who have lost him. 

The members of the Dolton Fire Department are in mourning over the death of their brother. Lawrence had always wanted to be a firefighter and he achieved his goal. He was one of the good guys. He will be forever remembered.

Lawrence's loved ones are devastated by his sudden and tragic death. He was an active and energetic young man. He was always the one to help everyone else. He was a coach and a mentor to young people. He did his best. He is a hero. He will be forever mourned.

Lawrence is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his wife, Rachel; and his three children and two step-children.

Thank you for your service to the community, Lawrence.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die suddenly. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Lawrence is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.