Portage Fire Department Firefighter Dies of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Portage, Indiana - Brad Wilson, a 56 year old veteran working at the Portage Fire Department for the last 25 years died this past Monday from health issues relating to Mesothelioma lung cancer. Mr. Wilson developed some respiratory problems over the years, a symptom that is associated with this asbestos related cancer. His colleagues at the Portage Fire Department will remember Brad as a person who loved woodworking, and had a great sense of pride over his moustache. Jim Kelecava, a firefighter who worked with Mr. Wilson for more than 3 years the Sprinkle Station quotes, "When I think of Brad, I think of a guy who loved both of his families -- his true family and his firefighter family. When you're in this profession, there's a brotherhood you feel with your co-workers, and that's the same strong bond we all felt with Brad." Infact, when Mr. Wilson went on a disability leave last year, his colleagues always took his helmet on their next firefighting trips.

Captain Rick Nason of the Portage Fire Department quotes, "I'll miss Brad's smiling face and the love for him. He was very special to me, my kids called him uncle Brad." He adds, "Many people will recognize Brad, if not by the name, by the face. He's the guy with the handlebar mustache." "Brad touched many lives out in the field, but the most important thing he did was give back to the community."

Jim quotes further, "Brad wasn't one of these `look-at-me' kind of people. He was always in the background, and very quietly he did a lot of good things for other people." It is said that Wilson spent his Christmas at home with his family after which he returned to his hospital care center. The entire Portgage Fire department was wearing black badges in his honor since his death. Mr. Wilson is expected to be buried at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home in Indiana. Mr. Wilson leaves behind a wife and 3 daughters.