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By Rachel Engel
GREAT LAKES, Ill. — The cause of death of an off-duty firefighter who was found dead in his vehicle over the weekend has been ruled a suicide by the medical examiner.
Great Lakes Fire Department Lt. Jeffrey Peters was discovered in his vehicle late Saturday evening, and was pronounced dead at the scene, Lake & McHenry County Scanner reported.
The department announced the death in a statement on social media.
“Lieutenant Peters was an integral part of Great Lakes Fire Department for 21 years,” the statement read. “Jeff was an outstanding firefighter, friend and mentor. He was a colleague we always looked forward to having on shift and a colleague we were always grateful to have on scene, no matter the call. The intelligence, friendship and dedication Jeff brought to the department will be sorely missed.”
Peters is survived by his three children: Kristopher (KJ), Isabella (Bella) and Hayden. A GoFundMe campaign was started in support of Peters’ family.