Dolton firefighter dies after collapsing at scene of Harvey fire

A south suburban firefighter died Saturday afternoon after collapsing at the scene of a fire in Harvey.

Harvey firefighters responded about 1:30 p.m. to a fire in the 1500 block of South Rockwell in Harvey, according to Harvey spokesman Sean Howard. Firefighters from Dolton were then brought in to assist with the fire.

Lawrence Matthews, a 35-year-old Dolton firefighter, was standing on a nearby sidewalk when he collapsed, according to Howard and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Matthews, who lived in Glenwood, was taken to Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, where he was pronounced dead at 3:15 p.m.

An autopsy Sunday did not rule on his cause and manner of death, with results pending further investigation, according to the medical examiner’s office.

Matthews is survived by four children. He had been with the Dolton Fire Department since 2008.

“Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to the family of our fallen firefighter Lawrence Matthews,” a statement from Dolton Mayor Riley Rogers said. “There is a great emptiness left by the death of Mr. Matthews, however I am certain the strength and love demonstrated by his family and his fellow firefighters, will carry us through this difficult time of mourning.”

“We did not simply lose a firefighter in the line of duty. Mr. Matthews was a man committed to saving the lives of others. A lifesaver has lost his life, and he will be deeply missed. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers and may God bless and comfort all who share fond memories of him,” Rogers said.