By FALON MCCAIN
Belleville News Democrat
Ten years after his death from cancer, family and friends will gather Saturday to remember the volunteer firefighter who was about to become a police officer.
Kevin Wilson was an auxiliary marshal for the Caseyville Police Department and was in the process of becoming an officer when he became ill. Wilson was diagnosed at age 21 with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer found mainly in toddlers. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments for a year.
After battling cancer for three years, he died in his home on Oct. 20, 1995, at age 23.
Wilson’s family will be honoring his memory this weekend at the Wilson Pavillion -- dedicated in his name -- in Caseyville Park. Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. Several guests including village trustee Kerry Davis and Caseyville Mayor George Chance will speak, along with members of Wilson’s family. A balloon launch also will be held.
Music will be provided by the Collinsville High School band, a group Wilson was involved with for four years as a drummer. The event will commence with a bell ceremony -- a tradition in honoring fallen firefighters -- facilitated by Caseyville Fire Chief G.W. Scott Sr. Refreshments will be available.
Since Wilson’s death, the Hollywood Heights Fire Department has dedicated a fire engine in his name and several fund-raisers were held to purchase a memorial marker in the park.
Kristen Scott, Wilson’s sister, described her brother as wise. She said when he was 4, he told their parents that he wanted to be saved.
Scott said, “I don’t know if God spoke to him, but he knew his life would be short and he lived right. He was an all-around great guy, and everyone who knew him knew he was special.”