The Dearborn community will commemorate Fire Captain Jeremy Watkins tomorrow from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center at 15801 Michigan Ave. Watkins, a steadfast servant to the community, passed away at the age of 49 and had dedicated 22 years to firefighting before retiring due to an occupation-related cancer diagnosis in 2024. A memorial service featuring remarks from city and union officials is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the center.
Following the remembrance, a procession on Friday honoring Captain Watkins will escort his family to St. Hedwig Cemetery for a graveside service at 11 a.m. The procession, paying full Fire Department and military honors, is set for passing Dearborn Fire Station 2 in a myriad of respect and tradition. All participating fire department and emergency vehicles are expected to assemble at the Center at 10 a.m. before departing at 10:40 a.m.
The route for Friday's procession will carry the emergency vehicles northbound on Greenfield Rd and then continue west along Michigan Ave towards Outer Dr, ultimately culminating at St. Hedwig cemetery located at 23755 Military Rd in Dearborn Heights. Captain Watkins' journey through the ranks, from Firefighter 2 to Captain, reflects a story of unwavering commitment, commencing with the Dearborn Fire Department in March 2002 and concluding with his promotion to Captain in 2020.
With the city mourning the loss of a hero, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud conveyed the city's collective heartache: "We are deeply saddened by this great loss to the Dearborn Fire Department and our community," as per the City of Dearborn. He invited those who would like to pay respects to join the remembrance and procession.
In place of traditional floral tributes, the Watkins family suggests donations be made in his memory to initiatives close to Captain Watkins' heart: the Dearborn Firefighters Burn Drive, Neighbors United Walk for the Red, or the Henry Ford Health/Detroit Lions Game on Cancer.
