Matthew LeTourneau - Firefighter Fatality - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Lieutenant Matthew LeTourneau, age 42, of Springfield, Pennsylvania, died in the line of duty on January 6, 2018, in Philadelphia.

Matthew LeTourneau

Lieutenant LeTourneau was a member of the Philadelphia Fire Department. He was assigned to Engine 45, Platoon A, in North Philadelphia. He had 11 years of service.

He was known as Matt to his family and friends. 

Before 9:00 a.m., Matthew and dozens of other firefighters were fighting a fire at a row house in Philadelphia when the roof collapsed, trapping Matthew under the debris.

Matthew was rushed to a local hospital where, tragically, he was pronounced deceased.

A male resident of the rowhouse also died in the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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

Matthew had always wanted to be a career firefighter in Philadelphia. He started volunteering with the Springfield Fire Company when he was just a teenager. He had been an instructor and mentor at the Delaware County Emergency Services Training Center, where he taught several classes including fire behavior. Matthew joined the Philadelphia Fire Department in January of 2007 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2015. He had received a unit citation in 2010 and a letter of commendation for his service during the World Meeting of Families in 2015.

The members of the Philadelphia Fire Department are in mourning over the death of their brother. Matthew was a hard-working professional who was well-respected and well-liked by his comrades. Matthew will be forever remembered.

Matthew's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He was loved. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Matthew is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his mother, who will forever miss him. 

Thank you for your service to others, Matthew.

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