Sept. 9 was Lawrence Matthews' birthday and the day he started his career as a Dolton firefighter. This year, it was the day the city memorialized him.
The (Tinley Park) Daily Southtown reports that officials renamed a portion of Park Avenue that runs past First Station No. 1 as "Firefighter Lawrence Matthews Way" on Saturday. A plaque in Matthews' honor was unveiled.
The eight-year veteran died in the line of duty in June. He was a heart transplant recipient who went into cardiac arrest fighting a house fire.
Matthews had his doctors' encouragement two years after the transplant when he joined the department in 2009.
Fire Chief Steven McCain says Matthews had a passion for his community. He says the department is still adjusting to the loss.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
