Current and retired firefighters turned out Friday to honor one of their own who died in the line of duty this week.
Current and retired firefighters turned out Friday to honor one of their own who died in the line of duty this week.
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Current and retired firefighters turned out Friday to honor one of their own who died in the line of duty this week.
On Friday, dozens of firefighters gathered to remember one of their own.
Sean McAdam, a 20-year veteran of the Louisville Fire Department, served with "courage" and "commitment," according to the chief.
"The citizens of Louisville have lost a great man, a man who wore a uniform, a man who helped save lives, and a man who went into burning buildings and who was dedicated to this noble profession," Chief Gregory Frederick said at a brief ceremony Friday.
McAdam, 49, died Wednesday, just days after suffering a medical emergency at the Rubel Avenue firehouse where he was assigned.
"He was just so dedicated to the job, to the profession. He lived and breathed it," Brian O’Neill, union president, told WLKY.
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As the official mourning process began Friday, the firehouse was draped in black bunting and a bell was tolled. Dozens of the men that had paved the way for McAdam were on hand and later praised his easy-going nature.
"He always had something good to say, other people would say something negative, Sean would try and turn it around. That’s the kind of person he was," retired LFD captain Ronel Brown Sr. said.
John Turner, a retired LFD major said, "His shift was known for having what they called reindeer games. They would always pull jokes and stuff like that but Sean was always good-natured, always took it well."
At Friday's ceremony, the family was on hand to receive a proclamation from the city. They were promised the service of firefighter McAdam would never be forgotten.
"Sean McAdam, you will be missed and you will be remembered," Frederick said.
During his time with LFD, Firefighter McAdams received numerous awards including the Medal of Valor. His selfless acts continued after his death. McAdam was an organ donor.
McAdam's procession will take place Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The procession will start out at UofL Hospital at 530 S. Jackson Street. It will end at Owen Funeral Home in Jeffersontown.
The route will take people from Hancock, to Broadway, to Barrett, then to Winter, Bardstown Road and Taylorsville Road.
The funeral is located at 9318 Taylorsville Rd.
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