By Alex Lloyd Gross
A steady, cold rain did not keep firefighters from paying their last respects to Lieutenant Matt LeTourneau who died in a house fire last week. A public viewing and funeral was held today January 12, 2018 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City Philadelphia. Many who were in attendance were firefighters from outside the city, which includes a good number of volunteer companies. Quite a few paid companies showed up along side them. They came from Bucks and Delaware Counties and as far away as Baltimore Maryland.
Lt. LeTournau loved animals and loved being apart of the city. He has strong roots in Delaware County. In fact, that is where he will be buried. A huge funeral cortege snaked it’s way across closed portions of Interstate 95 to Delaware County as mourners made their way to Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield. Police and rescue squad members showed their support as well. While many people were inside the Basilica , a few elected to stay outside , under tents and listen to the service on loudspeakers, including two New Jersey State Troopers who showed up on their own.
During the remarks, Commissioner Adam Thiel said that he considered LeTourneau “A firefighter’s firelighter”. as is custom, now in the city of Philadelphia, LeTourneau will be promoted posthumously to the rank of captain.