Illinois lowered the U.S. and state flag for three days recently to honor firefighter Lawrence “Larry” Matthews of the Dolton Fire Department, according to a press release.
ABC7 reported that Matthews died after responding to a mobile home park fire in Harvey, near his hometown of Dolton. He collapsed while working on the exterior of the fire. Dolton Fire Department Chief Steve McCain told ABC7 that Matthews had not been at the scene long when he collapsed, first becoming short of breath and leaning on a fence to support himself. He was rushed to Ingalls Hospital, where he was declared dead.
Matthews was 35 years old and passionate about health, having received a heart transplant 10 years ago, according to the ABC7 News report. He joined the Dolton Fire Department in 2008 and was an active part of the community, coaching Little League baseball and promoting community health initiatives.
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