By Laura French
CLAYTON, Wis. — A Wisconsin fire chief has died due to COVID-19 after a five-week battle with the disease.
Clayton Fire Chief Donald “Don” Kittelson, 55, died Thursday after being hospitalized with COVID-19, pneumonia and meningitis since early November, according to the Star Tribune. The local community had rallied around Kittelson, a third-generation firefighter and 34-year department veteran, raising money by purchasing lawn signs displaying messages of support for the chief.
“We lost a hero tonight,” the Clayton Fire Department posted on Facebook after Kittelson’s death. “You have touched so many. Family, friends, Community and YOUR fire department brothers and sisters morn [sic] a great man. Love you CHIEF DON- you will never be forgotten.”
A celebration of life ceremony for Kittelson is scheduled to be held at the Clayton Fire Hall on Saturday, followed by a fire truck procession.