Godspeed Philadelphia Firefighter Tracy Champion

Veteran Firefighter Dies After Collapse

(CBS 3) PHILADELPHIA After decades of saving the lives of others, a beloved veteran Philadelphia firefighter died on the scene of a fire early Saturday morning.

As investigators search for a cause of the fire, it is trying to be determined exactly what caused Tracy Champion's death.

Champion arrived at an empty home at 55th and Lancaster in the Overbrook neighborhood of Philadelphia early Saturday morning.

Champion, 49, collapsed at about 4:30 a.m. shortly after the fight against the flames came to an end and was rushed to Lankenau hospital but died a short time later.

His death is not only being felt his family at home but also his family at Engine 54.

The fire that the firefighters fought at 1721 North 55th Street was full of flames and it seemed to be a normal fire until about an hour after it was under control when Champion collapsed.

“This is a tragic loss four our entire city,” said Philadelphia Mayor John Street.

“It is tough for us all,” said Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers. It is deeply personal for Ayers who was friends with Champion for 21 years and he even fought a few fires side by side with him.

“He was always smiling and looking at the bright side of things,” said Ayers, adding, “He enjoyed being a firefighter and he loved his job.”

Champion’s co-workers say his new green bike was his latest thrill. “He was a fun loving guy and we are going to miss him a lot,” said Jamilah Jones. Jones says Champion was his mentor and he was a role model that was known as “Champ” not because of his name but because of his dedication to West Philadelphia.

“If I would tell someone that I am from Engine 54, everyone would say ‘Oh yeah, that is Champ’s station’, that was his station,” said Jones.

“When you look at members that have been at station that long, we always say that when they retire, they should get a brick out of the wall because they have been there so long, he is a brick out of the wall guy,” added Ayers.

Champion was well respected throughout the entire community. He was honored back in 1997 for saving the life of a laborer trapped in a trench.

Champion leaves behind a wife and two children; ages 24 and 17.



Funeral Information for Brother Champion

Saturday, February 4, 2006

Viewing: 09:00 to 11:00 at Sharon Baptist Church, 3955 Conshohocken Ave, Philadelphia, PA


Service: 11:00 at Sharon Baptist Church


Interment: Fernwood Cemetery, 6501 Baltimore Ave, Lansdowne, PA