Lawrence Matthews passed away doing what he loved—fighting fires. The devoted Dolton firefighter collapsed on Saturday afternoon while helping to put out a blaze in neighboring Harvey.

Matthews suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to Ingalls Memorial Hospital, but he never regained consciousness. He was officially declared dead at 3:15 p.m.

A solemn procession of Chicago and suburban police officers and firefighters honored the ambulance carrying his body as it made its way to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

The 35-year-old was a husband and father of four. He had been with the Dolton Fire Department since 2009, dedicating himself to service and community.

Dolton firefighters were called to assist the Harvey Fire Department after multiple mobile homes caught fire near 150th and Maplewood. According to officials, Matthews was on the sidewalk when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest.

Matthews had previously undergone a heart transplant in 2007 at the University of Chicago Hospital. Against all odds, he defied medical expectations and became a firefighter two years later, with the support of his doctors.

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

An autopsy was conducted on Lawrence Matthews, a Dolton firefighter who died in the line of duty, on Sunday. However, the cause of death remains under investigation, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Matthews, 35, of Glenwood, collapsed and went into cardiac arrest while fighting a fire at a mobile home in Harvey on Saturday. He was taken to Ingalls Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:15 p.m.

He had received a heart transplant in 2007 at the University of Chicago Hospital. After passing a physical exam, his doctors approved him to become a firefighter, and he joined the Dolton Fire Department in 2009.

The mobile home located near 150th Street and Rockwell Avenue was completely destroyed in the fire.

As the community mourns the loss of a brave and dedicated firefighter, many are reflecting on the strength and courage that Lawrence Matthews displayed throughout his life. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the risks faced by those who protect others every day.

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