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

Matthews suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to Ingalls Memorial Hospital, but he never regained consciousness. He was pronounced dead at 3:15 p.m. His sudden passing has left the community in shock and mourning.

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

The 35-year-old father of four had been with the Dolton Fire Department since 2009. A husband and a loving parent, Matthews was known for his dedication and courage. He had also recently become a heart transplant recipient, having received a new heart in 2007 at the University of Chicago Hospital.

Just two years after receiving the transplant, he was cleared by doctors to pursue his dream of becoming a firefighter. His journey from recovery to service was nothing short of inspiring.

The fire that took his life occurred near 150th and Maplewood, where multiple mobile homes were destroyed. According to officials, Matthews was on the sidewalk after arriving at the scene when he suddenly collapsed.

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 after battling 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 rigorous physical, doctors gave their approval for him to join the fire department. He was officially sworn in as a firefighter in 2009.

The mobile home located at 150th Street and Rockwell Avenue was completely destroyed in the fire. Authorities are still investigating the origin of the blaze.

As the community comes to terms with this tragic loss, tributes continue to pour in for Lawrence Matthews. His legacy as a firefighter, a father, and a survivor will not be forgotten.

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