“He was a lot of times by himself, but when we got on that rig, the bells rang, he meant business. And that’s what Kevin was about. Kevin, we’re going to miss you down here my friend, my brother. We got it from here” (retired firefighter Bob Arens). 

*** 

A fire broke out in a home in the 8300-block of West Balmoral Avenue on August 11, 2024. Lt. Ward was in the basement of the home when he was critically injured. 

He had led the charge into the burning home. He was transported to Loyola Medical Center. Two other firefighters were injured in the fire. 

Fire officials said Lt. Ward was surrounded by his family when he died. He joined the department in 1996. 

Officials said they were hopeful Ward would pull through, and, because they were never able to speak to him, they still don’t know exactly what happened in the moments before a first mayday was called. 

“This was not an easy fire. It was a basement fire, which are very difficult to fight,” Deputy District Chief Kelly Burns said.  

*** 

Please keep the Chicago Fire Department and the entire Ward Family in your thoughts. 

To make a contribution in memory of Lieutenant Ward, please visit our fallen heroes donation page.