DeKalb is in mourning after city officials announced Tuesday that a member of the DeKalb Fire Department, a firefighter and paramedic, died on Monday. The city has not released the firefighter’s name or said whether the death occurred while the person was on duty. Funeral arrangements are still pending as the department and city ask for privacy while they support the firefighter’s family and coworkers.
According to Shaw Local, the brief city news release did not provide information about the cause of death and noted that the firefighter’s identity was not public as of Tuesday evening. Shaw Local also reported that Mayor Cohen Barnes and Fire Chief Luke Howieson were not immediately available for comment at press time.
What the city release said
“Our focus remains on supporting the firefighter’s family, friends, and our department members during this difficult time,” the city’s statement said, as reported by Shaw Local. The release also asked the public to respect the family’s privacy while funeral plans are finalized.
Neighboring departments, social posts
By Tuesday night, tributes were appearing on social media from neighboring first responder agencies and local organizations, with many offering condolences and support for DeKalb firefighters and the firefighter’s loved ones. The messages highlight how closely connected area departments are, and how the risks firefighters face do not always end when a shift does.
What we still do not know
City officials have not said how the firefighter died or whether the person was on duty at the time. The firefighter’s name has also not been publicly released. For official updates, the City of DeKalb posts news and press information on its municipal website.
