A blood drive was held Friday in honor of Lawrence Matthews Jr., a Dolton firefighter who died battling a fire.
Whether it was playing Santa Claus for the village of Dolton or giving Halloween tours of the firehouse, Lawrence Matthews was known as someone who always gave back. Given Matthews’ history as a transplant recipient and his strong sense of community, Matthews’ widow says a blood drive is a perfect way to honor him.
For the first time since her husband’s death in June, Rachel Matthews returned to the firehouse where he worked as a Dolton firefighter.
“I was up here quite a bit in and out. It’s kind of surreal that he is not here, this was his home away from home,” Rachel Matthews said.
Rachel was brought back to the Dolton Fire Station by a Lifesource blood drive in memory of her husband. It’s been almost two months since Matthews collapsed while rushing to put out a rubbish fire that was spreading fast. The 35-year-old died of a heart attack.
“A line of duty death is a horrific event and something that we have to move forward with and try to turn that negative into a positive,” Dolton Fire Chief Steve McCain said.
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