Badge ceremony honors fallen CFD firefighter killed in house fire near O'Hare 1 year ago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It was an incredibly somber and emotional morning inside the Chicago Fire Academy as scores of people gathered to remember the life of fallen fireman Lieutenant Kevin Ward, a man cherished for his dedication and service to others.

Bells tolled inside the Chicago Fire Academy as the all too familiar sound of bagpipes echoes throughout the solemn ceremony, honoring the life of fallen Chicago fireman Lieutenant Ward.

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"It is my prayer that by gathering today we will permanently etch his memory into the story of Chicago - which is a beautiful love story," Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Ward died one year ago Wednesday, two-and-a-half weeks after he was critically injured battling a house fire near O'Hare on August 11.

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He became trapped in the home's basement, was pulled and rushed to Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, where he died, surrounded by friends and family. He served with CFD for nearly three decades.

"The fire department meant everything to him. He felt that he had the absolute best job in the world," Corrinne Walenda, former wife of Lt. Ward, said.

Ward's family, friends and fellow firefighters gathered inside the academy to remember the longtime first responder, where it was standing room only.

Ward's family and fellow firefighters gathered inside the academy to remember the longtime first responder - standing room only.

Ward's badge, number 1054, was added to the Memorial Wall at the Fire Academy, enshrining his legacy in CFD history.

"Lt. Ward exemplified what it means to serve with courage, dedication and selflessness," CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said.

After the ceremony, a brick was dedicated in Ward's honor at Firefighter Memorial Park by the lake serving as a reminder to all who pass by of the ultimate sacrifices made by so many of Chicago's firefighters.

"Retiring this badge does not mark the end of Lt. Ward's legacy; it immortalizes it," Commissioner Nance Holt said.

2023 was a very difficult year for the fire department. Four firefighters died in the line of duty.