By FireRescue1 Staff
DETROIT — After a veteran firefighter died of cancer, his fire department is rallying around his family to help them through the Christmas season.
FOX2 Detroit reported that Keione Boone, 39, died Nov. 18 after learning just three months earlier that he had cancer in his lungs that was spreading to his brain and throat.
“It just spread like really fast, he deteriorated really fast and even then he didn’t want us to know what he was going through,” Sgt. Darryl Braxton said.
Boone’s colleagues described him as a happy, strong person who always had a smile on his face.
“It was nothing for him to jump on this ladder truck and do maybe 50 pull-ups at the drop of a hat.,” Braxton said.
“He was always one that you could laugh with,” Capt. James Davis said.
Detroit Fire Department Sr. Chief Darrell Freeman said Boone’s wife, Valencia, and their two children, Kam and Ky, were his world.
“The day he passed, that morning he gave his kids their Christmas gifts,” Chief Freeman said, “That’s the kind of guy he was. He was always thinking about his family.”
Now, Chief Freeman said the fire department is picking up where Boone left off to make sure they have a great Christmas.
“Whatever they need, we’ll be there for them, to give it to them. No matter what,” Chief Freeman said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Boone’s family. To donate, click here.
https://www.facebook.com/WJBKFox2Detroit/posts/10156140174537994