A true hero: Hundreds honor life, service of Kenosha firefighter, Lt. Scott Schumacher

KENOSHA (WITI) -- Hundreds of people are paying their respects to Lt. Scott Schumacher of the Kenosha Fire Department at Carthage College on Thursday, March 5th.

Schumacher died from cancer due to carcinogen exposure during execution of emergency duties while on incidents with the Kenosha Fire Department. He is receiving full Line of Duty Death honors.

This is the final goodbye to their brother, their friend, their father, husband and son.

"It's very very difficult for us," said Kenosha Fire Department Chief, John Thomsen.

Lt. Scott Schumacher was honored on Thursday, for his 16 years of service on the Kenosha Fire Department.

"One thing that rings true about Scott, he worked at what he loved, he loved what he did and he worked every day," said Thomsen.

While on duty he received several honors for lifesaving acts. On Thursday, he was given one of the highest honors -- the line of duty death medallion.

"When Scott was diagnosed with cancer he didn't run from the job. He stood tall, viciously fought for years so he could return to the work he loved," said Jeremy Ryan, Kenosha Firefighters Local 414 Union President.

After years of fighting he passed away of carcinogen exposure while on the job with the Kenosha Fire Department.

"It is not Scott's death that we come here to recognize but it is his life we come here to celebrate," said Kenosha Fire Chaplin, Lance Loveall.

It was a life filled with public service that went far beyond his daily duties as a firefighter.



"Schu volunteered for his local little league touching over 3,500 young lives. He volunteered countless hours at charitable events, whether it was a Care Gold Outing or another spaghetti dinner -- or simply one of his friends needing a helping hand, you could always count on Scott," said Ryan.

Hundreds paid their respects and honored Scott for his bravery and strength.

"Even while he was sick he was better than most of us and we all knew it," said Kenosha Fire Department Battalion Chief, Matthew Haerter.

"Scotty, I'm really going to miss you. Thank you for teaching us the true meaning of courage. I love you brother," said Haerter.

There was a public safety procession that led Lt. Schumacher to his last station number 7 in Kenosha, where a private ceremony for his family was held. Schumacher leaves behind his wife and three young children.

A benefit fund is available at all Kenosha area Johnson Banks.

Related links: