Firefighter Killed Battling House Fire In North Philly Posthumously Promoted To Captain
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Three firefighters were posthumously promoted on Friday, including one who lost his life in a North Philadelphia house fire earlier this month.
The Philadelphia Fire Department held its semi-annual Promotion and Awards ceremony on Friday at the Temple University Performing Arts Center.
During the ceremony, Matthew LeTourneau was promoted to the rank of captain. He was killed earlier this month battling a house fire in North Philadelphia.
LeTourneau's brother Luke said the rank of captain was always a goal of Matthew's.
"If it were normal circumstances, he'd been truly honored to get to that point, but to do it in this way, to give his life to get promoted, I mean that was his ultimate calling," he said.
Proudly wearing his brother's Engine 45 sweatshirt, Luke says his family will carry Matthew's spirit forever.
"I think it's only fitting that I bring him here with us, even though it's only a shirt, he's here with us in every fabric," said Luke.
Posthumous promotions were also awarded to Lt. Gabriel Lee and Capt. Kenneth Green Sr.
"We all know the service they provided. We all know the dedication with which they lived and the dedication in which they died," said Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel.
Awards were also given out for heroism.
KYW's Pat Toddy contributed to this report.
